The Commodore's Report

January has been a hectic month. It included titles for the Pacers, Javelins and Minnows. Competitors travelled from across the country to participate in these events.

I would like to thank all the volunteers for their efforts, and I have had positive feedback from all associations and competitors.

Congratulations to Ethan and Archer on winning their division in the Pacers and well done to Jass and Harry on coming second.

In the Minnows, it was fantastic to see Sara, Emily, Tegwyn and Ned representing the club in their first national titles. Sara had a few great results in the open fleet with a highest place of 5th out of a fleet of 31. Tegwyn, Emily and Ned competed in the novice division and all three had podium places in individual races; with Tegwyn ending up second overall in the novice fleet. All four are heading off to the State Minnow Titles at the end of February in Rye.

In February I am heading off with Steve and Dale to race Quiet Little Drink in the State Trailable Titles held in Geelong; we will be joined by Alex and Ben on Juniper.

Coming up in the not too distant future, we have the Marlay Point Overnight Race and the Easter Regatta.

Look forward to seeing everyone out sailing.

Andrew

Updated: 8 Feb 2019 7:04am by David Parish

In this issue:

The Commodore's Report
Sailing Calendar
Social/Sailing Calendar
From the Start Boat
Upcoming GLYC Discover Sailing Dates:
Division 1 - Flying Fifteen Nationals in Adelaide
Division 4 report
Name that photo contest

January, BUSY January
Yard and Marina
Marlay Point Over Night Race update
MPONR Big Breakfast
Tuesday Twilight Racing and Meals
Rules Corner
The 2019 Australian Minnow Championship
Club Merchandise 2018 - 2019
Pics of GLYC sailing on GLYC Facebook page

Sailing Calendar

Minnows check out Lake Victoria in LB&B
before the championships

February
02, Saturday, 0900 hrs: Eastern Region Regatta/Divisional (in Metung).
03, Sunday, 0900 hrs: Division Cool starts
03, Sunday, 1400 hrs: Divisional racing Duty boat: Time Flies
05, Tuesday, 1700 hrs: Twilight Female Skipper Race #5. Duty boat: Saracen
07, Thursday, 1300 hrs: Ancient Mariners
10, Sunday, 0900 hrs: Division Cool
10, Sunday, 1400 hrs: Divisional racing. Duty boat: 10th Prime/Burrunan
12, Tuesday, 1700 hrs: Twilight sailing. Duty boat: Kalimna
14, Thursday, 1300 hrs: Ancient Mariners
16, Saturday, 0800 hrs: Victorian Junior Carnival at Mornington YC
17, Sunday, 1000 hrs: JK Lloyd Trophy Race -long distance. Duty boat: Silver Cloud.
17, Sunday to 18, Monday: Australian Sailing Junior Carnival at MYC
19, Tuesday, 1700 hrs: Twilight sailing. Duty boat: Longnonse
21, Thursday, 1300 hrs: Ancient Mariners
24, Sunday, 1400 hrs: LB&B Heat 5. Duty boat: Nitro
26, Tuesday, 1700 hrs: Twilight sailing. Duty boat: Scorpio
28, Thursday, 1300 hrs: Ancient Mariners

March
03, Sunday, 0900 hrs: Division Cool
03, Sunday, 1400 hrs: Divisional racing. Molly O

A lively start for divs 1 and 3 in LB&B on
20 Jan

05, Tuesday, 1700 hrs: Twilight Sailing. Female Skipper Race. Duty: Waza Rager
06, Thursday, 1300 hrs: Ancient Mariners
09, Saturday, 1930 hrs: MPONR start
10, Sunday, all night and day: MPONR boats arriving at GLYC for finish and Breakfast
12, Tuesday, 1700 hrs: Twilight Sailing. Duty: Ghost
13, Wednesday thru Saturday: Bairnsdale PS 754
14, Thursday, 1300 hrs: Ancient Mariners
17, Sunday, 0900 hrs: Division Cool
17, Sunday, 1400 hrs: LB&B. Duty boat: True North/Hoopee
19, Tuesday, 1700 hrs: Twilight Sailing. Duty: Tocatta
21, Thursday, 1300 hrs: Ancient Mariners
23, Saturday: Contender State Titles at GLYC. Pizza night at 1800 hrs.
24, Sunday: Contender State Titles at GLYC
24, Sunday, 0900 hrs: Division Cool
24, Sunday, 1400 hrs: Divisional. Duty boat: Helter Skelter
26, Tuesday, 1700 hrs: Twilight Sailing. Duty: Rainbow Connection
28, Thursday, 1300 hrs: Ancient Mariners
31, Sunday, 0900 hrs: Division Cool
31, Sunday, 1000 hrs: Joy Croft Trophy Race to Loch Sport. Duty boat: Bear All

Updated: 8 Feb 2019 12:11pm by James Frecheville

Social/Sailing Calendar

Neil, Alastair, David Frecheville, Dan and
Mark relax Wednesday after 5 Minnow
championship races

Friday Club Night
Come catch up with mates Friday nights. Feel free to bring your meal, take out or use the barbie and enjoy. Be sure to welcome visitors who are interested in the club. And if you're lucky, you might be the lucky winner of the club draw.

Twilight Meals
Just a reminder, as required last year, should you wish to have a meal/meals, please email glycmeals@gmail.com stating how many in your party and if there are any dietary requirements such as gluten-free, or vegetarian, etc. (Sorry, no diets requiring crayfish will be accommodated.)
Please have this email meal reservation in by 4 pm before sailing.

Marlay Point Over Night Race, Saturday and Sunday, 9 and 10 March
Volunteers are needed for all sorts of job on and off water. Let Jacqui know if you can help.
Christie is always looking to fill the three shifts for preparing and serving the breakfasts. Don't forget to choose a shift and come help out. Time Flies when you're having fun.

Big Bash Friday Club Night. 29th March
6 pm onwards. Finger food provided, and your first drink is "on the House". The usual Friday draws will take place and there will be a lucky door prize as well.

We hope to see a big crowd of members who have given their time, no matter how little or much, to the club this season. And that includes basically everyone!
Even if you don't normally attend Friday Nights, this one is guaranteed to be a convivial evening.

Please put this important date in your diaries.

Updated: 9 Feb 2019 10:33am by Christie Arras

0427 411 660

5156 6448

From the Start Boat

Jonathan Wood on Say No More finds a lady
skipper to helm on 8th of January

The racing was hotly contested on the first Sunday in January with the ladies taking the helm, all eighteen of them, for the Lady Skippers Sternchaser Race.

First home was Hillary on Absinthe and all she got for her effort was acknowledgement that Handicapper Brian Collins had got her number right. Unfortunately, when all boats' elapsed times were multiplied by CBH/YS, Absinthe didn't fair so well and Jenny Holter on Silver Cloud took out the gold followed closely by Anne on Chibizulu. A special mention must be made of Sara Melrose sailing her Minnow Swift finishing just seconds behind in third place.

Sara was one of four GLYC juniors who sailed in the Minnow National Championship Regatta a fortnight later and there showed the skill, determination and perseverance required to one day be a champion. I am reminded of another little girl who started sailing at our Club in 1990 and went on to represent Australia at the Sydney Olympics in 2000...

The Minnow championship was an event. It was a privilege to be involved and all Club volunteers whether on water or land revelled in the vibrancy of this regatta. No doubt this will be reported elsewhere in Wanderer.

The Australia Day Trophy was run straight after the last heat of the Minnows and was enjoyed by the small fleet who sailed around Dave Bacon's favourite course.

A good wind pushed the fleet in the
Australia Day southern cross course.
Chibizulu and Vintage Red crowd the mark

It was unfortunate that Metung YC were unable to host us for lunch in mid January when we normally sail our Metung and Return Race and now it seems that there is no date in either Club calendar available for rescheduling this ever popular race. Until next year.

While on subject of disappointments, it was unfortunate that MeYC failed to attract competitors for the Eastern Regional Regatta to be held in Lake King. This was also gazetted as our Lake King Challenge, normally a two race B2B event on a Sunday in early February. It was also to be part of our Divisional Series. The idea being that it would encourage a good fleet representation.

So, not to let a race day escape, we held our Divisional Races in Lake Victoria. The only challenge on the day was to set a course with the winds boxing the compass for an hour or so while the AP flew or hung at the vagaries of the wind.

It will soon be the MPONR long weekend and Jacqui and her team have things well in hand...but I guess she would always welcome offers to help out. As would Christie in the kitchen for the MPONR Big Breakfast.

Club Championship racing results are showing that those who turn up each weekend are doing well in the series scoring, which is as it should be.

See you on the Start Line.
James

Updated: 16 Feb 2019 3:15pm by James Frecheville

5156 0582

5156 6352

Upcoming GLYC Discover Sailing Dates:

Sara Melrose tackled the Lady Skippers
race out in the big lake with ease and
amazing skill

Division Cool; starts Sunday 10 February (ongoing throughout Feb and March)

Paynesville Primary School Sailing; 4-5 March

Bairnsdale 754 School Sailing; 6-7 March

Various junior / youth state title regattas throughout February and March

Tackers School Holiday Program; 8-12 April

Good Friday Raymond Island Sail; Friday 19 April

Sharna

Updated: 9 Feb 2019 8:39am by Christie Arras

5156 6700

Division 1 - Flying Fifteen Nationals in Adelaide

The Raineys charge around the Australia
Day southern cross course

Flying Fifteen Nationals 2019 were held at the South Australian Royal Yacht Squadron in Port Adelaide. Unusually, the Yacht Club had mentioned we could camp at the Club and we kindly took up this option with five "Owner Drivers", three representing Victoria and the rest from Geraldton WA. Another 'fun fact': the Yacht club is in the same harbour as the marine terminal with huge container ships moving around loading and unloading containers; all we had to do is give these shipping containers a wide berth.

Our crew consisted of Lewis and John Flamingo (V3890), Les & Nicole (V3854), 'RO' & Steve (W3781) and Craig and Ian Rainey (V3880). Camping facilities were sharp; we had an undercover area consisting of built in BBQ, Fridge, Power & Water. The rest of the Victorians consisted of Steve & Richard (V3651), Chris & Chuck in their new boat (N4062) and Dale & Wayne (V3930).

Camping consisted of 3 camper vans for our WA brothers and Les and Co; Craig and Ian had tents while the Flamingo brothers just rolled out swags and slept under the stars.

So far the Regatta was off to a good start. We had travelled 11 hrs to arrive; the Geraldton crew had travelled further and everyone had some where to sleep. We all measured in and we were about to go for our first sail. Life couldn't get better. The Invitation race rolls around and we are blown out and have to race in the harbour. Not our first choice, but we got to hit the water.

Conditions for the regatta covered the full wind range. The regatta was won by Enfys and Nick Jerwood. Best of the rest were:

Steve and Richard -- Surprise by Giveraus - 6th

Craig and Ian - Where the Bloody Hell are You - 8th
Flamingo Brothers - The Flying Flamingo - 9th
Phill Parish - Fish -13th (temporary Victorian)
Chris and Chuck - Up Ships Ck - 16th
Nicole and Les - Reliance 22 - 17th
Steve & 'RO' - Sixteen - 20th
Trevor and Peter - Lost in the Haze - DNF

Highlights for the Regatta: Man it was hot! Lucky we were near the water and we had some sea breeze cooling. The Flamingo brothers slept in style on the ground and enjoyed the distraction of the Light Weight Sharpies sailing just up the bay.

Steve and Richard were always working on the boat trying to squeeze out the last ounce of speed. Phill needs to be congratulated for all the work he put in to host the regatta. Chris and Chuck are on the come back trail watch out for these guys. Not sure why Les left Victoria, he seems to spend more time in the southern state than Qld. Steve and 'RO' (Rich Owner) took on a shipping container in the harbour while practising gybes and were chased away by the harbour tugs. Rumour has it Trevor and Peter were seen on the start line for each race, but I never saw them.

Overall we had a great time at the Regatta and camping added a different twist to the event. I think Lewis best summed up the Regatta when he mentioned he suffered from PRD; I looked at him not understanding and he said "Post Regatta Depression". He then went on to explain, he can't have a drink when he wants and can't go sailing when he wants.

Thanks to those who participated; we enjoyed your company.

See you at the Vic States...

Ian Rainey

Updated: 9 Feb 2019 10:08am by Christie Arras

9707 3033

Division 4 report

Mitch Meade sails his foiler A class in
Div on 3rd and pitch poles later in the
race

Well, the Div 4 fleet has seen a bit of variety since the last report, but that doesn't mean there hasn't been some close racing. On Jan 20th the Lifebuoy and Bell Race was won by the Nacra 5.5 "Waterworks", and "Immunity" was left thinking if "only they had started on time they might have won." "Bee Alert" was back in 13th place and "Gone Viral" found out what it's like to have a heavy crew, with a Laser sailor up the front making a mess of the kite.

During the Minnow titles "Immunity", "Gone Viral" and "Still Bitten" thought it would be a good idea to give willing Minnow sailors a taste of the "dark side". As usual, the wind became a bit stronger than ideal for their first time on a Mosquito, but the Minnow sailors were up to the task and all enjoyed themselves thoroughly. They were heard afterward telling the other Minnow sailors what they had missed and annoying their parents with dreams of sailing their own Mosquitos.

The Australia Day race, as usual, led to some trying to lead others astray. Despite "Immunity" leading the wrong way around a mark, "Still Bitten" wouldn't be led astray (after stopping to check the course map) and was the first to finish the course correctly, with the help of a lightweight Laser crew. "Gone Viral" with regular crew finished 4th on Yardstick, a good result in the boisterous conditions.

On Feb 3rd after much procrastination by the wind, 2 very exciting Divisional races where held b2b. This time the fleet consisted of the usual Mossie culprits "Immunity", "Bee Alert", "Karma Cat", "Still Bitten" and "Gone Viral" (cat rigged), with the addition of "Bob" the flying A Class sailed by ex GLYC junior Mitch Meade. The wind was on from the start and "Bob" literally flew around the cou rse to take out the Line Honours and Yardstick win. "Still Bitten" managed to work the wind shifts better than "Immunity" to be first Mossiehome and with "Bee Alert" retiring due to the increasing wind, "Karma Cat" and "Gone Viral" did well to finish.

Gone Viral makes a splash in Div 3rd Feb

In the second race the wind was really on and the flying A class didn't disappear quite as fast, as the weight of the sloop rigged Mosquito's allowed them to power around the course. But "Immunity" pushed just a bit too hard and had a swim, not that he was the only one. The flying A flew a little too high after a misunderstanding with a Laser and came crashing down in spectacular style. "Gone Viral" also had a swim but did well to finish behind "Karma Cat".

Should be even more Mossie's racing in the next month with Tim now back from England and Oskar about to buy his first Mosquito. Div 4 is going from strength to strength.

Remember, "Life's Better With a Hull in the Air" see you on the water,

"Still Bitten".

Updated: 8 Feb 2019 1:26pm by Tim Shepperd

Name that photo contest

An unusual photo came out of Sunday's Divisional racing and race management is trying to sort it out. So, they have decided to have a contest for the best caption for this jumble of boat and leg?...

Please send entries to arraschristie@gmail.com to participate.

Christie

Updated: 5 Feb 2019 10:44am by Christie Arras

January, BUSY January

From the immediate past Commodore

From Javelins and Pacers to Minnows, the post-Christmas period has been full on at GLYC! With a number of our regular stalwart volunteers away sailing other regattas, those left behind have certainly put a great deal of effort into the club, especially the race management teams for both regattas, who seemed to be pretty much the same people!

Life will continue to be busy for some of us - the Music Festival in a couple of weeks, Marlay Point ONR, for which we are now the organising body, and a late addition of the Contenders State Titles, will continue to require assistance until March 24th. Not long after that the Easter Regatta - it's all go, go go! (Don't forget to let a Committee member know if you can help out with something.)

And this does not even cover the Tuesday Night cooks, bar staff and race management team who have continued to work throughout, and the Club Sunday racing helpers...
SO...

As a thank you to all our club members who already have, or soon will volunteer to assist in some way, shape or form over the season, the Committee will once again host a

Big Bash Friday Club Night
March 29th, 6 pm onwards

Finger food provided, and your first drink is "on the House". The usual Friday draws will take place and there will be a lucky door prize as well.

Please put this important date in your diaries - even if you don't normally attend Friday Nights, this one is guaranteed to be a convivial evening
We hope to see a big crowd of members who have given their time, no matter how little or much, to the club this season.

Whilst on the subject of busyness, when everyone is "flat chat" it is easy to lose sight of the fact that we are all volunteering for the benefit of GLYC. Sometimes, tempers fray and at such times it is important to hold that thought. At the Minnow Regatta, a very pertinent poster popped up...one which I feel is worth showing to all our members. MOST of the time, MOST of us do follow this wise advice...let's try for ALL of us ALL of the time.

Wendy

Updated: 7 Feb 2019 9:20pm by Tim Shepperd

Yard and Marina

A big thank you to the members who helped move boats out and back into the hardstand area. Also, thanks to the members who gave up their time to be car park marshals during the Minnow National Championships. With the upcoming Music Festival and the Marley Point Overnight Race there will be a need to shift some boats from the yard again. I will contact boat owners prior to any moves.

Jim

Updated: 9 Feb 2019 10:07am by Christie Arras

Marlay Point Over Night Race update

Jaime is rather amused with his crew in
LB&B race after rounding the top mark

The 51st Marlay Point Overnight Race is being run over the long weekend in March, the 9th and 10th. Start time is 7.45 p.mp. from Marlay Point on Lake Wellington. Boats are expected into Paynesville any time from about midnight for the faster multi hulls and the bulk of the fleet from around dawn... if we get favourable winds.

Preparations are well under control with Jacqui Crawford at the helm of our team. Zannah is making sure all our rules and regulations are up to speed with current regulations; Bernie has the sign on area all sorted with mountains of paperwork needing signatures.

We come back to GLYC and Lillian is getting her team of helpers sorted so that all competing boats can be assured of an accurate finish time. You will notice Lil and her team taking times after Tuesday twilight sailing shortly. This is by way of testing our finishing systems and giving any new comers to Lil's team the opportunity of a trial run ensuring all will be well for the real thing.

Alastair has his team prepared for radio control both at GLYC and on the water. A long night will be in store for Alastair. He will sit on the pin end of the start line and then follow at the back of the fleet for the duration of the race.

Wendy has taken on the mammoth task of providing a great party environment for our crews at the end of the race. If you can remember last year we had a huge number of visitors to the club. This year we will be prepared.

Christie will again be running the kitchen for an all day breakfast for our finishing crews and anyone else around who would like a fabulous cooked breakfast. A roster will be sorted amongst our volunteers who generally love helping with this event.

125 Supertoy with Taj and heavy handed
crew takes 5th in the LB&B on the 20th Jan

Yours truly (Jenny) is keeping everyone up to date and informed both on our committee and our entrants.

Entries are starting to come in quite quickly now which is exciting. At the time of writing we have 32 entrants. Doesn't sound many but at the same time last year we had 44 and ended up with 230. Unfortunately, we don't expect to see that many this year as last year was a special event, but we should still expect a good 100 or more.

We are fortunate to have many volunteers but with an event of this size it is a mammoth job. If you have a bit of spare time or would like to be a part of this fun event please speak to any of us or let me know by phone or email - 0490 803 590 or email info@mponr.com. If you would prefer to help in a certain area of the event, please speak to us and we will see what can be arranged. Lil still needs helpers on the finish line; we could use a hand with water taxi's at LWYC end, and we could use plenty more help in the kitchen for breakfast. Wendy will no doubt need help with the after party as well.

Getting up early or staying up late or all night for this event may not sound like the greatest thing, but the sight of so many yachts traversing the lakes with their lights on or coming through the straits is so rewarding. You only get to see that if you're up early.

Jenny Holter
MPONR Committee
0490 803 590
info@mponr.com

Updated: 8 Feb 2019 2:18pm by Christie Arras

MPONR Big Breakfast

Elizabeth joins the Australia Day racing

Just getting a word in for the Big Breakky for the Marlay Point sailors and friends. The shifts usually are 6 to 9 a.m.; 9 to noon; noon to 3 or finish.

Jobs include: cooking the eggs; monitoring the beans on the stove and tomatoes in the oven; toast, toast, toast: baking bacon; serving; taking money; welcoming sailors and clearing dishes. And, GARNISH. The little bit of rocket or spinach garnish just wraps up the breakfast appeal.

Volunteers seem to gravitate to their specialties and usually the only hard part is getting them to leave to allow the new shift to work.

Many breakfasts start late with the masses arriving mid-morning or later. Last year the wind drove them in and the bulk of breakkies were done by 11. A real push but what a gas. We have served some years until 4 pm when the wind has done a runner.

In the good ol' days volunteers were called in when the first boats arrived sometimes at 2 a.m. Now with smaller fleets, we don't start till 6 a.m. but volunteers are called before the early shift if the fleet is still stuck somewhere on route.

Sailors are very appreciative of our hot breakfasts and the amount of work is well worth it.

Please call, 5156 7861 or a text message to 0490 178 259, or sign up sheet at bar, to let Christie know what time you would love to help. Thanks in anticipation...

Christie

Updated: 8 Feb 2019 1:35pm by Christie Arras

Tuesday Twilight Racing and Meals

Carol helms Time on her maiden GLYC race
on 6th Jan Lady Skippers race

Many thanks to all those lovely people who are available to prepare our delicious meals post racing on a Tuesday evening.

For those of you who are curious as to the various meals provided, here is the plan for the rest of the season:

On 5 Feb, 5 Mar and 2 Apr there will be pizza and salads

On 12 Feb and 12 Mar there will be marinated chicken and salads

On 19 Feb and 19 Mar there will be lamb pies and vegetarian pasties and salads

On 26 Feb and 26 Mar there will be BBQ chicken and salads

And of course, don't forget to either email at glycmeals@gmail.com or write your name down on the list in the undercroft by 4pm!
Cheers

Julie

Updated: 8 Feb 2019 2:30pm by Christie Arras

Rules Corner

Nitro takes on three Jefferis riders in
Sunday Div race on 3rd Feb

To emphasize points made over recent articles, Rules Corner would like to use two examples witnessed by members in recent January regattas around the country.

Case 1.
Yacht B took an overlap space to which she was not entitled and the gap was closed by the right of way yacht A. Result a rule was broken and no penalty was taken.

Result. Yacht B was disqualified. Lesson here: if you know you have broken a rule, take a penalty whether or not you hear "Protest". In this case the 3 or 4 places lost by taking the penalty was a lot better that scoring a DSQ.

Case2.
Yachts ganging up on another competitor,(in this case, potentially amounting to bullying or intimidation), are in breach of both Rule 2 and potentially Rule 69. The penalty for the latter can only be disqualification or DNE, disqualification not excludable. Bans of over 2 years have been known in extremis.

Lesson here is read Rule 2. We are fundamentally a self policing sport where Fair sailing is paramount.

Regards
Hugh

Updated: 8 Feb 2019 2:03pm by Christie Arras

The 2019 Australian Minnow Championship

Oh, what a week!

Ross Wilson open fleet RO leads the
Minnows to a better start position in Wed
morning fickle wind

The 40th Australian Minnow Championships were successfully wrapped up on Saturday after six days, an Invitational race and twelve completed championship races in Paynesville where they were hosted by the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club.

Though there were many close contests, the performances of two young sailors stood out. Sam Backman, 13, hailing from Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron sailed superb races winning eight out of the twelve races. Ellie Cowell, also from BYS, a junior sailor under 12 years of age performed brilliantly.

Sailors came from all over Australia including six who sent their Minnows and gear down before hand in a shipping container from Darwin. Queensland, WA, and Victorian Minnow sailors were also represented among the forty sailors.

Sharna Duff, the Championship coordinator, worked for months honing the details, corresponding with the Minnow Association, securing grants and pulling it all together for a tremendously smooth sailing friendly regatta.

Seventy-five volunteers from GLYC yacht club, friends and other clubs in their bright Minnow-sail-blue shirts worked tirelessly to prepare for the influx of the Minnow sailors and their families and support crews on land and out on the water in a flotilla of rescue rubber duckies and course boats. A number of rescue rubber duckies were loaned from Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron, LWYC, and GLYC members so the fleets were abundantly supported by rescue crew.

Sara Melrose on 990 has an awesome start
to the last championship race finishing
fifth in the fleet of 32 boats. She is
one to watch

Participants were very happy with the venue and surrounds and were blessed with very good sailing weather bar Friday where the day's races were cancelled due to the heat. Nonetheless, they were able to complete all twelve races, a maximum number for Minnow nationals.

The Minnow baitball just before the gun
for the start of race 3

On Monday, the 20th, 31 sailors in the open fleet raced in the Invitation race out in Lake Victoria with lively wind once it came in. Lionheart, sailed by Sam Backman took first with Mako sailed by Luca James and Ozone with Aden McGrath taking second and third. The brisk breeze sent three boats off the course before the finish.

One sailor's mother from Darwin exclaimed that it was the first time she had ever known of four children from one family, the McGraths from Darwin, all sailing in a championship race.

Ross Wilson, a highly accredited and experienced international race officer, was at the helm of the open fleet. His management of the series saw good courses and start lines lain and a fair race course for the young competitors. The thirty-two young sailors and juniors raced out on the open course in Lake Victoria.

The eight novice sailors raced and trained and sailed in the "fun" regatta nearer the Paynesville shore. James Frecheville, race officer for the novice fleet, saw incredible improvement in the sailing skills and confidence in his young fleet from their on-water fun races and championship races.

The days were packed with racing and fun. On Tuesday, the open fleet were able to add a third race to their schedule. That evening the GLYC sailed its weekly stern chaser, as usual, with club members and regatta sailors and families enjoying the evening's pizza night.

James made sure the Novice fleet had FUN
while they increased their skills and
confidence in the Minnow Nats

On Wednesday, the open fleet milled around waiting for the wind to settle, then managed to complete two races in the morning then three more lively races in the afternoon. The evening saw the Lamb Shack food van selling Forge Creek lamb and more pizzas from the Ferry Caf while the sailors enjoyed a movie night as well.

A highlight for the Minnow sailors was the visit to the 40th Championship by Rex Fettell who designed the Minnow dinghy back in the seventies. He got a lift out on the water to watch some racing as well a chatting to the sailors at the post-racing muster.

Two races were sailed on Thursday, the scheduled lay day, in anticipation of Friday's scorching heat which cancelled all sailing for the exhausted sailors, course management and volunteers.

Though some Minnows had breakages in races, the support rubber duckies were always right there sometimes to offer quick repairs for broken tiller extensions or lost pins for stays, or a tow back to shore. The sailors were tenacious and would be back racing as quickly as possible.

The NT sailors pack up for home. They are
hosting the next Nationals this coming
July

After a bit of a postponement due to fickle wind, Saturday's final racing schedule of two races proceeded to wrap up the week's championship racing.

As the fleet of young sailors returned to shore, GLYC yachts sailed out into Lake Victoria for their southern cross course for the Australia Day Trophy Race with some strong wind to fill their sails.

Before the Presentation Dinner, the race management held their daily muster with the sailors where special effort was rewarded as well as nominations for funny mistakes or happenstances which won hats or sailing equipment for the sailors. This fun muster contributed to the fun and the esprit de corps of the close knit community of Minnow sailors and their parents.

The Presentation Dinner and awards were presented Saturday evening in the massive white marquis rented for the occasion as well as the club rooms.

In the Novice fleet, a new perpetual trophy for Female Novice Winner was awarded to Tessa Kohne from McCrae Yacht Club and she took home the trophy for Novice Champion as well. Local GLYC sailor, Tegwyn Somerville won second and Samantha Kemp from Beaumaris YC won third.

The winners' podium in the open fleet.
Happy faces for all involved. Brilliant
championship Sharna.

Though, after the racing was done, there was no surprise who would win the gold, Sam Backwell from Blairgowrie Yacht Club who finished first in eight out of twelve races, became the 40th Australian Minnow Champion for 2019.

Aden McGrath from Darwin Sailing Club won second and Thomas Warner from Blairgowrie YS took home third.

Ellie Cowell who sails at Blairgowrie YS, placed sixth over all and won Junior Champion as well as Female Champion. Junior Minnow sailors are those who under twelve years of age.

After dessert the raffle was drawn, silent auction completed, the invitation to the 41st Australian Minnow Championship being held in Darwin this July was issued, the sailors wrapped up the Championship with the traditional tossing of the Minnow Champion, Sam Backwell, into the lake with much hilarity and plenty of soaking wet young sailors.

Christie

Updated: 9 Feb 2019 10:40am by Christie Arras

Club Merchandise 2018 - 2019

Do you need a new item of club merchandise for the 2018-2019 season?

Come along and check out what we have to make sure you are looking good both on and off the water this season!

All our merchandise is very reasonably priced, and wearing it is a great way to advertise our club in the community!

Make sure you check out our stock next time you're at the club.

Payment can be made either via the envelopes located in the merchandise cupboard or by direct deposit into the club bank account.

Prices as follows:

LS Polo Shirts (White, Red & Blue) - $40
SS Polo Shirts (White, Red & Blue) - $35
GLYC Caps & Winter Beanies - $15
GLYC Sleeveless Vests (Blue) - $55
GLYC Waterproof Jackets - $80
GLYC Mens Ties - $10
GLYC Stubby Holders - $10
GLYC Burgees - $25

Can't find your size? Or in the colour you want? Ring me, and I can place a special order for you!

Julie Clark - Merchandise Contact 0408 538 000

Updated: 5 Feb 2019 9:12am by Christie Arras

Pics of GLYC sailing on GLYC Facebook page

Peter Boyle on Matilda leaves the start
gate in the Australia Day Trophy race

Newer racing photos from our sailing can be seen on the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club Facebook Members and Friends site.

However, there is still a link from the GLYC home page under photo albums, as well, to photobucket for the 2016/1017 sailing season. Danuta Sowa also takes great shots and can often give you a disk with the file of your boat.

Updated: 8 Feb 2019 1:36pm by Tim Shepperd

Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club
P.O. Box 194, Paynesville VIC 3880

Club phone	03 5156 6864
Email	glyc@sailglyc.com
Website	www.sailglyc.com

Flag Officers

Commodore	Andrew Somerville	0407 156 133
Vice Commodore	Jim Callahan	0488 500 795
Rear Commodore	Ian McDonald	0419 698 900
Secretary	Russ Peel	0408 589 805
Treasurer	Tim Shepperd	0400 666 486
Sailing Captain	James Frecheville	5156 7103 / 0412 979 824

Committee

Immediate Past Commodore	Wendy Gardiner	0498 116 752?
Discover Sailing Coordinator	Sharna Duff	0409 207 331
Sailability Officer	Alan Pick	0410 584 860
General Committee	Julie Clark	0408 538 000
General Committee	Colin Johanson	03 5156 6656
General Committee	Norbert Hrouda	0427 654 039
General Committee	Noelene Foley	5156 0048
General Committee	Jacqui Crawford	0468 987 684
Wanderer (not on Committee)	Christie Arras [WANDERER and EFLASH]	03 5156 7861
Hall Hire	Wendy Gardiner
Boats	Ian McDonald
Yard	Jim Callahan
House	Norbert Hrouda

Classifieds:

DaVinci - Cumulus 21

21' Cumulus trailor sailor
9.8 Mercury outboard
Unregistered trailer

$6500 ono

Call Vince 0474 040 107 or David 0400 862 245

Contact: Vince Camp or David Cree

Wicked Weasel Minnow 1218 for sale

Fibreglass Ply sandwich Hull
Full Fibreglass thwart and centrecase
Great proffessional 2 pack finish
Includes:
3 sails (radial, cross and plus cuts)
2 fibreglass centreboards (white, green)
6:1 Vang
Fibreglass rudder with aluminium rudder box and tiller
Custom carbon fibre tiller extension
Unique Sails Hull and Deck Cover
$4,200 ono
Located in Paynesville. Delivery can be arranged
Contact:
Steve (0411 037 418) or Taj (0473 260 123)

Contact: Taj and Steve Duff
Phone: 0411 037 418

Wanderer - February 2019