Monday, November 26, 2007

Sunday 30th December

Sunday 23rd December

Sunday 16th December


Ho Ho Ho, this is a probable date for Santa to do his stuff.

Sunday 9th December













Super Series goes to Braithwaite Team
There was plenty of heavy traffic at the top mark with some of seasons closest racing during Sundays three race super series. As the storm clouds approached the gusting seas breeze reached close to 20 knots the racing became intense and the margins for error minimal. The races were led by the two Taipan crews of Scott Machon/ Bryce Haffner and Mark/ Sophia Braithwaite. These two were relentlessly pursued by the A Class of Fabrice Boone. The A Class was most certainly at its design limit with the gusting winds and choppy lake conditions putting a huge stress in the super light weight boat's carbon mast. The Hobie 16 and NACRA boats maintained a three race battle to the end with the finishing results alternating throughout the series.
It was the Braithwaite Team on AUS283 who were narrow winners over the fast finishing Machon/Haffner Team of AUS163. The Braithwaite team have shown great form since the State titles and now prepare for the National Titles in QLD during the New Year.

Sunday 2nd December



Racing from 12.00.


What's the weather like?



OOH North easterlies looking good.

Sunday 25th November

Weather E/NE at a perfect 12-15knots.
Three races for the day.
Triangle course (2).

It was a day for the solo sailors. Two A-Class cats a cat rigged Taipan and a Nacra.

The sole crew was Ray and Ross on the Hobie 16.

A top day with three races. Thanks to John, Caleb and Ethan for doing boat duties for the day.

Results will follow

Cheers Scott

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

South West Rocks Racing

The weather had been unkind to us all week. The rain had continued for almost a week. Giving us occasional glimpses of blue skies then quickly returning to torrential rain.

There seemed little logic in going to South West Rocks for the weekend and camping in a caravan. The annual North Coast Cat Challenge at the Rocks seemed as though it would be a washout. But we persevered and ominously packed the cards and games along with the optimistic box of sailing gear and a boat in tow.

Arriving at the gaol the rain still taunted us, but only occasionally. By Saturday morning the weather was improving and the tables were dry. The weather began to clear and by lunchtime the sun was out.

Briefing over we hit the water and that was the easy part. The remnants of the week long weather had provided a large and long swell which swung around the breakwall and into the bay. Leaving the shore was easy, then navigating the swell and crashing waves without sticking the rudders into the sand beneath the hulls was tricky. Out in the bay the afternoon turned nasty with a squall from the south east racing across the fleet. 20 knots plus with the swells spray reaching backwards was making the day quite uncomfortable. We decided to head to shore but promptly ran out of wind. Squall over – head to start.

The course was the traditional SWR triangle and windward return then triangle. The top mark was in close to the shore and the bottom mark well down towards the bay buoys. This left the reaching mark somewhere outside the breakers. As the tide dropped the reach became a boat breaking reach through the breaking swell. Occasionally the boats would top the crest of the wave and momentarily be in full flight out of the water. The returning crunch and slap as the hulls hit the water was a grimacing sensation.

Four races back to back in a small fleet of 15 boats was well contested. The results for Bryce and Scott 2nd, 1st, 1st, 1st from four races.

Sunday greeted us with clear skies and again a south easterly. This time the breeze was softer and the swell had certainly diminished over the evening.

Sunday saw the arrival of Mark and Sophia Braithwaite who were already rigging on the beach as the rest of us arrived from our leisurely breakfasts.

Racing began shortly after 10.30 and the breeze was flicking around the course. Large holes appeared in the middle of the course as the wind pulled either side around the gaol. East to north east and then south east inside the bay.

Mark and Sophia certainly led away and Mark was quick across the water pointing as high as the paper tigers. Closely followed by Garry Tuck on his cat rigged Taipan.

Three races were sailed with Mark and Sophia gaining a clean sweep with three 1st places out of three races. Bryce and Scott managing to recover from a third and post two second place finished behind Mark.

Racing will again be at South West Rocks on the 2nd weekend in March for the Darren Lowder Memorial regatta.

Monday, October 29, 2007

CONGRATULATIONS Team Braithwaite 3rd NSW Titles

Results just in and a third place for mark and Annika in the NSW State Titles.
Congratulations

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Wildcat report





There is no other sound like it. The bang and jingle of a boat trailer rolling over a hump in the road. Like Santa’s sleigh but out of tune, the sound was unmistakably that of another cat trailer pulling in to the club camping area. I observed this from my slumber and, as my eyes adjusted to luminous dial on my watch face, (I was not long in bed after leaving the welcoming party) I noticed it was 1.30 am. These guys had traveled from Queensland and as the car glided to a stop a cold Bundy and cola was thrust into the drivers hand. This was Wildcat hospitality, above them the skies were clear and the palm trees rustled as the sea breeze blew gently, another smile as the trip had already been worth while.

Saturday morning of the long weekend and it was a perfect day. A morning breeze drifted across the lake. Cats were let out of their trailers and assembled on the shore. There was a bit to do before the first race, rigging would be important, registration an essential and of course catching up with friends and past competitors. With over 80 boats registered for the regatta it was going to be a great event. Rivalry would be intense, the Hobies were in final preparation for their Worlds in Fiji the following week. The Taipans were sizing each other up for their state titles a few weeks away and the 14’ cats were simply maintaining the rage.

The morning breeze dropped off and as briefing was under way the nor’ easter moved in from the sea. Sails gave a flick and crews finished off the last of lunch and hit the water. Two races straight up for the afternoon with a perfect nor easter settling around 12 knots. The 84 boats constituted four divisions with Hobie 16’s constituting an entire division with 26 Hobie 16’s in the line up. Then there was a miscellaneous small cats constituting an amalgamation of Maricats, Hobie 14’s and Paper Tigers. The miscealleous 16 cat fleet made up of A Class and Taipans, finally there was the Big cat fleet which was a combination of F18 Tigers, Capricorns, NACRA’s and the occasional F16.

Sunday saw the sea breeze struggle to get on shore and racing began mid afternoon with a gentle easterly . Thankfully the breeze built with most crews twin trapping. The breeze held and three races were run through the afternoon. It was paradise really, twin trapping in an easterly, warm sun on the back. Sailing back to shore with the sun setting and the beers chilling in the fridge then just drop the sail and relax. With competitors camping right on the lakes edge and the event being fully catered for the decision was whether to stay at your own tent or cruise the sites and catch up with others.

Sunday night was the NRL grand final and with the Great Lakes Sailing Club providing dinner and a huge screen to watch the grand final it was a great evening. Eventually the lights were switched off at 2 am and those remaining headed off to bed and into deep slumber.

The Monday following a grand final is often referred to as Mad Monday, reflecting the behaviour of those who have competed in the previous days events. Well, today was Mad Monday for Wildcat competitors. Sunday’s change had come in early in the morning, the front didn’t come as far north as Forster and the breeze had built to 15knots from the North West. Excellent, stuff and time to hit the water.

The breeze was consistent across the lake but the chop seemed to stand up around the top marks. This familiar but unusual occurrence has led to this part of the lake to be referred to as ‘the washing machine’. Dreaded for its short deep chop, in the 2004 Laser masters regatta sailors often returned with clothes cleaner than ever before. The breeze built and settled in around 18 knots with occasional gusts around 23 knots. This was huge fun for some, but hard work for the A class boats who seemed to want to take off rather than keep flat. The crews worked hard as they tacked towards to top mark. The waves playing havoc with the crews with frequent ankle taps knocking feet from the hulls.

The run down wind was edge of the seat stuff with crews sitting on the back beams as the cats scalded down wind. Steve Brewin’s A Class lost the entire rig as the side stay disintegrated. Soon others were burying the bows deep into the water with some of the leaders capsizing spectacularly. The Taipans hit the water fairly hard whilst the Maricats and paper tigers powered. The look in the eyes of F18 crews seemed remote and distant as though they were driven by evil thoughts. The F18’s felt no pain and were launching the kites as soon as they rounded to top mark. Spectacular flashes as the kites pumped the rigs as they sped downwind. With the boats carrying so much momentum the gybe midway downwind was most spectacular the with crews being extra nimble to ensure that a capsize wasn’t a certainty.

At the last of the boats finished the race the wind had built to an uncomfortable 20 knots and it was decided that that was enough. Six races had been completed and everyone was certain that we’d all had enough. It was time to pack up and head home. Presentation was to follow and the winners recognized for their efforts.

The Wildcat regatta is the stuff of legend. And for over 35 years the regatta has been held on the October Long Weekend. It is part of many family holidays. Such is the Wildcat regatta, that with only the smallest of sponsorship and with advertising which is limited to word of mouth and online forums crews have traveled from QLD, Victoria, Bunbury in WA, the South Coast of NSW and from inland. Olympic qualifier Darren Bundock came here as a kid and was playing on the shore when his family would be out sailing. This weekend Darren was here again playing and catching up with friends and not sailing. As polite as ever he gladly helped out at the presentation and gave the prizes out to the all the divisional places and winners. This was a great weekend and what better way the start the season.

One by one the trailers pulled out of the club and up the hill out of site with the faint jingle trailing off in the distance.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Ray and Ross' Fiji adventure

Results so far for The Boys. Doing well in.

1 Kerli Corlett Ali Corlett AUS 19 OCS 6 2 2 3 2 4 38 19 19
2 Harry Handley Graeme Newman NZL 1 9 3 1 1 15 7 37 15 22
3 Bruce Tardrew Sarah Turnbull AUS 11 1 13 3 5 1 3 37 13 24
4 Steve Leo Linda Sparkuhl USA 6 3 1 5 4 7 10 36 10 26
5 Luiz Gonzaga Machado Gilberto Silva BRA 5 7 5 8 9 4 1 39 9 30
6 John O. Hauser Linda Hauser USA 9 4 18 6 19 BFD 5 2 63 19 44
7 Nick King Aveneil John AUS 13 5 4 10 17 8 5 62 17 45
8 Noel Cale Jean-Claude Bougras FRA 17 15 11 4 8 3 9 67 17 50
9 Roger Hensler Pat Hensler USA 12 10 16 11 13 6 6 74 16 58
10 Carlos Armando Noriega Martha Noriega MEX 2 11 9 16 15 12 12 77 16 61
11 Grahame Southwick Susan Stockdale FIJ 10 14 7 7 7 17 19 OCS 81 19 62
12 Eric Cook Janine Cook RSA 15 17 6 9 2 18 14 81 18 63
13 Burkhard Töbelmann Thierry Carpin FRA 3 16 15 13 10 14 11 82 16 66
14 John Dinsdale Camilla Dinsdale FRA 7 13 14 14 6 13 13 80 14 66
15 Ray Muld Ross Kneebone AUS 8 18 12 17 12 9 8 84 18 66 16 John McCormick Robyn McCormick AUS 4 12 10 18 16 10 15 85 18 67
17 Michel Le Calvic Marie-Joseph Juen TAH 16 8 8 15 11 11 19 OCS 88 19 69
18 Allan Pitts Ian Watson AUS 14 2 17 12 14 16 16 91 17 74

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Wildcat Results

Rank Class SailNo Helm Crew R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 Total Nett
1st A Class 920 Scott Anderson (3.0) 1.0 3.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 10.0 7.0
2nd A Class 767 S. Brewin 1.0 (2.0) 1.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 10.0 8.0
3rd A Class 880 G. Vize 2.0 4.0 5.0 3.0 4.0 (8.0 DNF) 26.0 18.0
5th A Class 922 M. Johnston 5.0 (7.0) 6.0 4.0 5.0 5.0 32.0 25.0
4th A Class 853 Simon McKeon (9.0) 3.0 2.0 5.0 9.0 4.0 32.0 23.0
7th A Class 917 John Dowling (6.0) 5.0 4.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 33.0 27.0
6th A Class 1 O. McKeon 4.0 8.0 9.0 (12.0 DNC) 3.0 3.0 39.0 27.0
8th A Class 886 G. Brown 8.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 (12.0 DNC) 8.0 DNF 49.0 37.0
9th A Class 843 Brian Medlow 7.0 9.0 7.0 9.0 8.0 (12.0 DNC) 52.0 40.0
10th A Class 869 J.Goldsmith 10.0 (12.0 DNC) 10.0 8.0 7.0 12.0 DNC 59.0 47.0
11th A Class 88 G. Smith (12.0 DNC) 12.0 DNC 12.0 DNC 12.0 DNC 12.0 DNC 12.0 DNC 72.0 60.0

Rank Class SailNo Helm Crew R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 Total Nett
1st Hobie 16 109885 T.Shuwalow C.Munro 2.0 (4.0) 1.0 3.0 1.0 1.0 12.0 8.0
2nd Hobie 16 109965 D.Fisher A.Gordon 3.0 5.0 5.0 (8.0) 4.0 4.0 29.0 21.0
4th Hobie 16 110282 J. Roberts B. Waterhouse (17.0 ocs) 10.0 2.0 6.0 8.0 7.0 50.0 33.0
3rd Hobie 16 110040 R. Waterhouse K. Waterhouse 10.0 1.0 (18.0 OCS) 14.0 OCS 2.0 6.0 51.0 33.0
5th Hobie 16 110577 Mick Butler S.Etherington 5.0 15.0 OCS 8.0 (20.0 DNC) 3.0 3.0 54.0 34.0
7th Hobie 16 109934 G. Southwick G.Natadra 7.0 11.0 (14.0) 1.0 11.0 11.0 55.0 41.0
6th Hobie 16 110054 J. Waterhouse M. McCormick 14.0 2.0 (18.0 OCS) 14.0 OCS 5.0 2.0 55.0 37.0
8th Hobie 16 109887 U. Kila D. Muller 11.0 6.0 (12.0) 11.0 6.0 10.0 56.0 44.0
9th Hobie 16 109937 D.Renouf C.Renouf 6.0 9.0 10.0 7.0 13.0 (20.0 DNC) 65.0 45.0
10th Hobie 16 108416 Schaffer L.Renouf 9.0 14.0 6.0 (20.0 DNC) 9.0 8.0 66.0 46.0
11th Hobie 16 107550 S.Watt K. Todd 13.0 8.0 11.0 10.0 (20.0 DNC) 5.0 67.0 47.0
12th Hobie 16 109884 A. Worrall B. Wilson 1.0 3.0 4.0 (20.0 DNC) 20.0 DNC 20.0 DNC 68.0 48.0
15th Hobie 16 107967 R.Muld R.Kneebone (16.0) 12.0 13.0 12.0 7.0 9.0 69.0 53.0
13th Hobie 16 110285 N.King A.Pitts 8.0 (20.0 DNC) 7.0 5.0 20.0 DNC 12.0 DNF 72.0 52.0
14th Hobie 16 108446 J.Roberts S.Roberts (20.0 DNC) 20.0 DNC 3.0 4.0 14.0 12.0 DNF 73.0 53.0
17th Hobie 16 110228 J. McCormick R. McCormick (15.0) 13.0 15.0 9.0 12.0 12.0 DNF 76.0 61.0
16th Hobie 16 109812 S, Wood S. Braithwaite (20.0 DNC) 20.0 DNC 9.0 2.0 10.0 20.0 DNC 81.0 61.0
18th Hobie 16 109971 B. Sumner B. Walkom 4.0 7.0 (20.0 DNC) 20.0 DNC 20.0 DNC 20.0 DNC 91.0 71.0
19th Hobie 16 110136 B.Owen J.Moxham 12.0 (20.0 DNC) 16.0 20.0 DNC 20.0 DNC 20.0 DNC 108.0 88.0
20th Hobie 16 90129 D.Ingram C.Tetlow (20.0 DNC) 20.0 DNC 17.0 13.0 20.0 DNC 20.0 DNC 110.0 90.0

Rank Class SailNo Helm Crew R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 Total Nett
1st Maricat 4.3 cat 5555 N.Coalcliffe 2.0 1.0 4.0 1.0 1.0 (6.0 DNC) 15.0 9.0
2nd Maricat 4.3 cat 5009 M.Colecliffe 3.0 (5.0 DNF) 3.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 17.0 12.0
3rd Maricat 4.3 cat 2428 P.Breaden 1.0 2.0 (6.0 DNC) 2.0 4.0 OCS 6.0 DNC 21.0 15.0
5th Maricat 4.3 cat 5010 L.Tucker (5.0) 4.0 2.0 4.0 4.0 2.0 DNF 21.0 16.0
4th Maricat 4.3 cat 50 B.Curran 4.0 3.0 1.0 5.0 3.0 (6.0 DNC) 22.0 16.0

Rank Class SailNo Helm Crew R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 Total Nett
1st Taipan 4.9 Sloop 312 A.Williams P. Eggl 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 (2.0) 1.0 7.0 5.0
2nd Taipan 4.9 Sloop 283 K. Pursch B.Haffner 3.0 3.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 (6.0 DNF) 17.0 11.0
3rd Taipan 4.9 Sloop 263 S. Kiely L.Kiely 2.0 4.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 (6.0 DNF) 21.0 15.0
4th Taipan 4.9 Sloop 114 P.Walker R.Walker 4.0 2.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 (6.0 DNF) 24.0 18.0
6th Taipan 4.9 Sloop 257 Sam. Breaden M. Gilbert 5.0 (6.0) 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 DNF 35.0 29.0
5th Taipan 4.9 Sloop 89 N.Van Kerkhof A.Smith (10.0 DNC) 10.0 DNC 5.0 5.0 5.0 2.0 37.0 27.0
7th Taipan 4.9 Sloop 96 P.Lane G.Selwood (10.0 DNC) 5.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 10.0 DNC 46.0 36.0
8th Taipan 4.9 Sloop 99 S.King J.Chopper 6.0 7.0 8.0 8.0 (10.0 DNC) 10.0 DNC 49.0 39.0
9th Taipan 4.9 Sloop 2312 A.William P.Eggl (10.0 DNC) 10.0 DNC 10.0 DNC 10.0 DNC 10.0 DNC 10.0 DNC 60.0 50.0

Rank Class SailNo Helm Crew R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 Total Nett
1st Paper Tiger 3039 I.Marcocitch 1.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 (3.0) 1.0 11.0 8.0
2nd Paper Tiger 3060 K.Marcovitch 2.0 1.0 1.0 3.0 2.0 (4.0 DNF) 13.0 9.0
3rd Maricat 4.3 sloop 5050 S.Spencer (4.0) 3.0 4.0 1.0 4.0 2.0 18.0 14.0
4th Maricat 4.3 sloop 4103 A.Heap 3.0 (4.0) 3.0 4.0 1.0 3.0 18.0 14.0
5th Hobie 14 31247 C.Hair 6.0 6.0 7.0 7.0 5.0 (10.0 DNC) 41.0 31.0
6th Hobie Turbo 0 G.Rogers 7.0 5.0 6.0 5.0 (10.0 DNC) 10.0 DNC 43.0 33.0
7th Hobie Turbo 63084 N.Moxham 5.0 (10.0 DNC) 5.0 6.0 10.0 DNC 10.0 DNC 46.0 36.0
8th Nacra 16sq 55 The Amazing Les Turner (10.0 DNC) 10.0 DNC 8.0 8.0 6.0 DNF 10.0 DNC 52.0 42.0
9th Maricat 4.3 sloop 5005 A.Cook (10.0 DNC) 10.0 DNC 10.0 DNC 10.0 DNC 10.0 DNC 10.0 DNC 60.0 50.0

Rank Class SailNo Helm Crew R1 R2 R3 R4 R5 R6 R7 Total Nett
1st F18 7 B. Nissen D. Nissen 4.0 (12.0 DNC) 1.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 22.0 10.0
2nd F 16 400 G. Maskell (7.0) 2.0 4.0 4.0 1.0 4.0 22.0 15.0
3rd Taipan 5.7 300 M.Griffith G.Lynch 2.0 1.0 3.0 3.0 8.0 OCS (9.0 DNF) 26.0 17.0
4th F18 60 C.Brewin R.Brewin 1.0 (12.0 DNC) 2.0 1.0 8.0 OCS 9.0 DNF 33.0 21.0
5th Taipan 4.9 Cat 175 P. Freeman 3.0 7.0 7.0 5.0 3.0 (9.0 DNF) 34.0 25.0
7th Taipan 4.9 Cat 139 G. Tuck 5.0 (8.0) 8.0 8.0 4.0 2.0 35.0 27.0
6th Taipan 4.9 Cat 35 R.Steyer 6.0 3.0 5.0 7.0 5.0 (9.0 DNF) 35.0 26.0
8th Tornado spin 295 I Simpson G. Sawyer (11.0 DNF) 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 3.0 38.0 27.0
9th HF18 Hobie Tiger F18 Sloop spi 1893 K. Amadis E. Amadis (9.0) 4.0 9.0 9.0 8.0 9.0 DNF 48.0 39.0
10th HF18 Hobie Tiger F18 Sloop spi 1981 J.Ogilvie C.Webb 10.0 5.0 10.0 11.0 (12.0 DNC) 12.0 DNC 60.0 48.0
11th Nacra 5.8 1340 H.Zeeman G.Payne 8.0 (12.0 DNC) 11.0 DSQ 10.0 7.0 12.0 DNC 60.0 48.0

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Wildcat Regatta

thanks to all competitors, family, friends and supporters for a great weekend.

Blessed with great weather and good times it was another great regatta.

THanks to all competitors.

DVD is now available. mail requests to scottmachon @bigpond.com

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Wildcat Weather

Looks good for the weekend. Friday to start of cool with a south westerly breeze coming across the lake throughout the morning. Good for rigging as everyone can point towards the beach. The wind will probably drift towards the south as the nor' west as a sea breeze trys to swing it around.


Then that lovely high will settle things down for some clear nights camping under the stars and then crips morning- good for the hangover.

Sunday and Monday look like classic days with Nor'easters filling in as the day heats up.

Cant wait

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Fathers Day Races

The start of the saling season could not have been better for the six boats thet contested the opening event of the season.

A perfect N.NE at around 10-12 knots blew in from the Pacific ocean over the palm trees and across the lake.

A windward and return course was set for the afternoon. As lunch time approached the breese settled in and was a constant 12 knots.

Scott Machon was still ironing out the creases from the winter off season and without usual crew was soon in the water for a capsize. Eventually rescued by Ross Kneebone and crew on the rescue boat, the first race started.

Brian Bath led the field throughout the day and would cross the winner in all three races. It was outstanding sailing from Brian and he was certainly on the money from the first race. There were many stand-out performers throughout the day. Tom Dalton competed well and finished with two second places and was the only person able to come close to Brian throughout the day.Fabrice Boone on the recently arrived A-Class was a strong competitor and showed some good form for a first time on the A-Class. Alan and Helen Pursch competed well in their first outing on the Hobie 16 and were constantly in the chase for positions in the fleet. John White had made several adjustments on the Taipan 4.9 and finally made it to the start of the first race almost 4 minutes late. In the third race John had changed rig and returned to the final race as a cat rig and copeted well.

With the just the one series under way this is certainly shaping up to be one of the most competitive seasons for quite a long time. Competition will certainly be strong when the Taipann 5.7 of Tim Haffner and Bruce Anderson hits the water as well as Mark Braithwaite on his new Taipan 4.9 and Ray Muld and Ross Kneebone on the Hobie 16.


Fathers Day Races
Overall
Sailed:3, Discards:1, To count:2, Entries:6,
1st Brian A Class Brian Bath 71 (29.40) 21.15 10.18 3.0 2.0
2nd Fabrice A Class Fabrice Boone 71 (36.19) 24.55 12.00 9.0 6.0
3rd Scott Taipan 4.9 Cat Scott Machon 76.5 (DNF) 26.58 11.41 13.5 6.5
4th Alan Hobie 16 Alan Pursch 81 36.50 (26.58) 13.10 12.5 8.0
5th Tom A Class Tom Dalton 71 (36.02) 23.42 DNS 11.0 9.0
6th
John Taipan 4.9 Cat John White 76.5 (DNF) DNF 16.15 19.0 12.0

Thursday, August 16, 2007

The Wildcat 2007

This will be a great weekend.

Friday club members will set up and camping will be from 1200 Friday. Please do not camp before 1200. The NPWS will patrol the area and will ask all campers to pack their tents and move to the designated camping site at 'The Ruins' camping area 4 km south.

When arriving PLEASE park your trailer at right angles to the shoreline. Then organise your camping area. You can return to the boat later in the day.

Saturday registration will be from 8.00am at the shelter.

Please bring proof of insurance, cash or cheques for payment. You may netbank deposit prior to the event 062 540 0090 0359 Great Lakes Sailing Club. Include your name on the transaction.

Hot showers are at the club. Breakfasts are available and Hamburgers and wraps available for lunch. Bottle water, tap water, beer and soft drinks, wine and some spirits are available.

A very big screen will be set up for movies on Friday and Saturday night, the NRL grand final will be on the big screen Sunday night.

Sunday racing will finish by 14.00 pm and a presentation by 4 pm at the latest. The emphasis on the weekend is competition and enjoyment. Whilst the competition is probably on of the best around, this is a weekend for everyone to enjoy sailing.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Working Bee this weekend 28th July

A slow start for some and then an action packed weekend down at the clubhouse.

Much needed care and maintenance of the club. The beers need replacing in the fridge and the fridge needs a clean out. The resident Lizard needs evicting and the boat needs a run.

Monday, June 04, 2007

More Stuff

1st weekend in September- Fathers day and a big start to the racing season.

1st Weekend in October- Wildcat Racing

1st Weekend in November- National Top Bloke day and a traditional sleepover for all top blokes.

2nd Weekend in November- South West Rocks.

1st Weekend in December- Dunno but it must be big.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

WILDCAT Regatta

Dates for the Wildcat.

Saturday 29th September
Sunday 30th September
Monday 1st October

It's odds on that this will be the Wildcat we had to have. Scumbags and taxidrivers beware. Throw the children overboard and then add GST.

Maybe Cowards are hunt and Rudds a dud. Nobody can keep the bastards honest, and nobody will save the bastards.

The Forster Wildcat is on- as always- that first weekend in October. It's fast sailing, hot sunny days and that beautiful nor' easter blowing across the water. When a cold beer in the hand doesn't feel out of place and the grand finals are on the BIG screen.

Send in a postal vote and the only line you'll be in is the starting line.

VOTE 1 Sailing

Big Fella's 50

Congratulations Tim.

A fine effort. Now you'll be able to prop up the bar with salty tales.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Sunday 4th March


Throughout the night the sea breese continued, unabated it kept the evening cool and the mozzies away from the BBQ. By Sunday morning the breese had built to a solid nor' easter. Any late riser would find the beach already windswept. But for a man with a Cat' on the back of his car, it was purrrfect weather for fast sailing.

The idyllic location of the sailing club, nestled between the swaying palms and out of the strengthening nor'easter saw a small gathering of cat's from along the coast. Sam Breaden and crew had travelled from Newcastle and John White had travelled down from Port Macquarie to sail on the fast flat water of Wallis Lake.

As the breese levelled off and blew at a consistent 15-20 knots the fleet set out for an afternoon of three 'back to back' races.

The wind had gathered strength and as the boat raced out to the start line, Sam Breaden was already in the water with a nasty nose dive and pitch pole. Recovering well they made the start with the breese now averaging 17 knots and gusting well over 20 knots.

It was Tim Haffner, with Tom Dalton on board as crew and tactician who had a good start and were working well to the top mark, followed by Sam Breaden then Ray Muld and Ross Kneebone. Closely followed by the newer combinations of Fabric Boone and John White on a Taipan 4.9 then Les Turner flying fast and solo on his NACRA 16sq. finally across the lin were Tom Haffner and Alan Pursch then Scott Machon and Bryce Haffner.

The strong winds during the first race were making it tough and it was Tim Haffner who went in first with a solid capsize after some gear failure. It was close running initially until Sam Breaden showed his skill and faster boat speed took him away to a solid win. With Haffner in the water it was Scott Machon/Bryce Haffner second followed by Ray Muld/Ross Kneebone and then Les Turner.

As the storm loomed the winds eased and the second race was sailied in a more comfortable 10-15 knots. This time the start was close and it was a well sailed race, again Sam Breaden 1st, S. Machon 2nd, R.Muld 3rd.

By now a few of the starting boats had puled out due to gear breakages and The final race saw only 5 boats line up for the start as the winds again increased in strength as the storm had now passed.

It was a flying start as the fleet descended on the start line with only seconds remaining. It was Machon/Haffner who had the gun start and led the fleet away closely followed by Boone/White and Muld/Kneebone. Sam Breaden was left to sail lower and off the wind but was gaining places.

On the return run for the final race it was Machon/Haffner in front at the bottom mark and looking in control of the race, but as they rounded the bottom mark they broke their mainsail head and sadly then drifted off unable to finish. Sam Breaden took the lead and again finished in style with three wins from three races.

Racing next weekend is at South West Rocks for the NACRA state titles and the Darren Lowder Memorial trophy.

Sailing will return to Forster Sunday 18th March

Scott Machon

Friday, February 16, 2007

Christmas at the Clubhouse




As always Santa made a stop over on his annual rond-the-world trip.

Stopping in at the Sailing Club was a great treat for everyone.

Current results

Great Lakes Sailing Club

Wallis Lake

Results as of 22:58 on February 12, 2007

Overall

Sailed:15, Discards:4, To count:11, Ratings:VY, Entries:11, Scoring system:Great Lakes Sailing Club 2006 2007
Brian Bath 71.5 (7.0) 1.0 1.0 1.0 2.0 (12.0 DNC) (12.0 DNC) 2.0 7.0 DNF (12.0 DNC) 5.0 3.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 71.0 28.0
Scott Machon 74 3.0 4.0 (5.0) 3.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 1.0 (7.0 DNF) (12.0 DNC) 3.0 (5.0) 2.0 5.0 5.0 61.0 32.0
Fabrice 109 5.0 7.0 7.0 DNF (12.0 DNC) (12.0 DNC) (12.0 DNC) (12.0 DNC) 3.0 1.0 3.0 1.5 1.0 3.0 1.0 4.0 84.5 36.5
Peter 87.3 4.0 2.5 3.0 2.0 6.0 DNF (12.0 DNC) (12.0 DNC) (12.0 DNC) 3.0 4.0 1.5 2.0 4.0 (12.0 DNC) 12.0 DNC 92.0 44.0
Tom Dalton 75 6.0 2.5 6.0 4.0 6.0 DNF (12.0 DNC) (12.0 DNC) 4.0 (12.0 DNC) (12.0 DNC) 4.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 1.0 99.5 51.5
Tim Haffner 71.5 1.0 5.0 4.0 7.0 DNF (12.0 DNC) 1.0 3.0 DNF ( 8.0 9.0 7.0 (12.0 DNC) 12.0 DNC 109.0 61.0
Ray 80 (12.0 DNC) (12.0 DNC) (12.0 DNC) 5.0 1.0 (12.0 DNC) 12.0 DNC 12.0 DNC 2.0 2.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 6.0 7.0 125.0 77.0
Les 91 ( 1.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 7.0 dnf 6.0 135.0 87.0
John White 93 (12.0 DNC) (12.0 DNC) (12.0 DNC) 6.0 6.0 DNF DNC 6.0 7.0 9.0 3.0 2.0 135.0 87.0
Bus Stop Hobie 18-Les Les 113 2.0 6.0 2.0 3.0 3.0 DNF ) DNC 12.0 DNC 136.0 88.0
Wicked Hobie 16 98115 Tom Hafner 81 9.0 4.0 8.0 12.0 DNC 12.0 DNC 165.0 117.0