Jump aboard Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship now!
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Entries are now being accepted for the 2023 Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship (SSORC), with the entry form online at the official website where the Notice of Race can also be found.
To be held on 25 and 26 November, Middle Harbour Yacht Club’s (MHYC) SSORC is in its 46th year. It is held alongside the Seven Islands Race which attracts an eclectic fleet of those who prefer inshore round the buoys racing, or in this case, round some of Sydney’s most famous islands on Sydney Harbour. The start is pursuit style from MHYC and first back home at the Club is crowned the winner.
Commodore of MHYC, Rob Aldis, commented: “First of all, we’d like to thank Nautilus Marine Insurance which is in its second year as main event partner for our SSORC and Sydney Harbour Regatta in March. The company adds prestige to our two major events through its support of the sailing community.”
The SSORC is a first chance this summer season for an offshore hit-out ahead of other major offshore events, in particular the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.
Commodore Aldis continued, “We expect to see some new players this season and to also see old rivalries re-emerge.”
He was referring to entrants from MHYC and Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club in particular, who regularly challenge each other for the top three places at major events hosted by the two clubs.
It is likely the top three from Division 1 last year will be back. Winner was MHYC regular, Bob Cox and his DK46, Nine Dragons. RPAYC yachts filled out second and third overall respectively: the Mark Griffith skippered LCE Old School Racing (also a DK46) and Keiran Mulcahy’s King 40, Soozal, which upset a trio of DK46s taking the trophies.
Division 2 went to podium limelight stealers in Jack Stening and Colin Gunn with their Sydney 36 Stormaway. Just one point separated them from another podium regular in Peter Sorensen’s Sydney 38, Advanced Philosophy. Bullwinkle, Peter Farrugia’s Bull 9000 from RPAYC, filled out the top three. The trio will be eager to return for another go.
So will it be the locals versus RPAYC for the top spots again, or will those from other clubs, inclusive of those that just missed out last year, muscle their way in?
Opportunists will face a mix of racing from a passage race to Lion Island (in a northerly) or Cape Baily (in a southerly) on the Saturday. The race is also an inclusion in the CYCA Ocean Pointscore (OPS). On Sunday, two short offshore windward/leeward races are in the pipeline. The best boats tested across the different styles of races, usually held in varying conditions, will be the victors.
For entry and Notice of Race, please visit: www.ssorc.mhyc.com.au
Di Pearson/MHYC media
All Photos by Andrea Francolini
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Read more: Jump aboard Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championship now!
Entries open for Sydney Harbour Sprint Series 23/24
The Notice of Race is published and entries open for the fast and furious Sydney Harbour Sprint Series, to be held over three weekends each in spring and winter, competitors hitting the ground running with three races away on Saturday 14 October.
Want to polish up on your around the buoys crew work? Here is your big chance. This new series is designed to provide stimulating short format racing with three races per day starting from midday. Races will be capped at 60 minutes and will keep all players on their toes throughout each day. May the best crew win!
All NSW clubs are invited, with racing to be conducted in three divisions:
Division 1 – ORC, IRC, PHS
Division 2 – ORC, IRC, PHS
Division 3 – ORC, PHS
Open to a wide range of mixed keelboats, One-Design scores are also provided where four or more entries of the same class are received. This should appeal to the J/24s, J/70s, Adams 10s, Farr 40s and others. All boats with a current Cat 7 rating and insurance are welcome to come and take part in the fun short races of approximately 40-50 minutes.
Early indications of likely entrants include: Kukukerchu (David Ross), Bluetack (Brent Lawson), Stormaway (Jack Stening and Colin Gunn), Wailea (Neil Padden), Innamincka (John Crawford) and Birubi (Andy Forbes).
Courses usually comprise two-lap windward/leewards with a gate. Run by an experienced race management team from Middle Harbour Yacht Club, racing will take place south of Sow and Pigs Reef or on The Sound, depending on conditions.
Inshore Spring Series program:
Races 1, 2 and 3 - Saturday 14 October 2023
Races 4, 5 and 6 - Saturday 11 November
Races 7, 8 and 9 - Saturday 2 December
Inshore Winter Series program:
Races 10, 11 and 12 – Saturday 25 May 2024
Races 13, 14 and 15 – Saturday 22 June
Races 16, 17 and 18 – Saturday 27 July
To enter - click here
To view and download all documentation - click here
By Di Pearson/MHYC media
Photos by Andrea Francolini & Marg Fraser-Martin
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Read more: Entries open for Sydney Harbour Sprint Series 23/24
2022-2023 Keelboat Results
MHYC Ocean Pointscore Series 2022-2023
Inshore Annual Pointscore 2022-2023 (Mixed Keelboat & Adams 10 - Passage & Sprints)
Inshore Sprints Pointscore 2022-2023 (Mixed Keelboat, Adams10 & Farr 40)
Inshore Pointscore Division 12
Flagstaff Marine Thursday Twilight Non-Spinnaker Series 2022/23
Smithy's Waterproofing Women's Helm Twilight Series
Series 1 - Pacific Rigging Wednesday Non-Spinnaker
Series 2 - Pacific Rigging Wednesday Non-Spinnaker
Series 3 - Pacific Rigging Wednesday Non-Spinnaker
Series 4 - Pacific Rigging Wednesday Non-Spinnaker
Feature Events
Harbour Trek (Incl Beneteau Cup Race 1)
Seven Islands Race (Including Jeanneau Cup Race 1)
January Cup & Two Handed Cup (Incl Jeanneau Cup Race 2)
Chaos Cup & Bedlam Point Cup 2023 (including Beneteau Cup Series Race 3)
New Sailing Committee Structure for 2023-24
MHYC’s Sailing Committee structure has been updated ahead of the 2023-2024 Sailing Season with the aim of improving efficiencies and communication links with boat owners and sailors.
The new structure combines a more streamlined Sailing Committee with a Divisional Representatives Group who cover the diverse interests of the club’s members and provide an initial point of contact for owners and sailors.
The Sailing Committee will meet each month, while the Divisional Representatives will communicate with the Sailing Committee as issues or new topics arise and join together for twice-annual meetings.
Owners or sailors who would like to discuss any new ideas or raise an issue regarding the club’s sailing program should contact the Divisional Representative for their area of interest. Contact details are published in the 2023-2024 Sailing Handbook and the MHYC Website.
The new structure is outlined below….
Free Get Checked Day - Sun 20th August 2023
MHYC holds two annual Get Checked Days for Equipment Audits, which allows Club Members the perfect opportunity to have their boats audited prior to the new sailing season commencing free of charge. The dates for the 2023-2024 season are Saturday 24th June and Sunday 20th August 2023.
Bookings for an equipment audit are to be arranged directly through the MHYC Sailing Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Inflatable PFD's can be serviced by Boatie Afloat with drop-off and pick-up at the MHYC Marina Office. Get in early to avoid delays in the lead up to the Get Checked Days by contacting Tom Pyne on 0418 242 637 to book in. Fire extinguisher testing or replacement will be available at the club on the morning of the Get Checked Days. For more information contact David Lavings on 0408 425 460.
Presentation of a Boat for Inspection process
• Boat owners are to complete an Equipment Compliance form prior to the inspection. Audit form can be downloaded here
• The owner or his representative should carry out an initial inspection and tick/sign the appropriate box - making sure to check expiry dates and quality of equipment, as well as identifying the location of equipment that may be asked to be presented during the inspection.
• Necessary equipment should be laid out ready for inspection, including copies of service certificates and any additional safety documentation; ie stowage plans, Epirb registration, Life Raft Service Certificates, PFD Service Certificates. (Cat 1 and 2 inspections - owners should have a copy of these certificates on hand to submit to the auditor as a part of the inspection paperwork.)
• The skipper and knowledgeable crew member should be on board during the inspection.
• The owner's Australian Sailing number and vessel registration details and insurance document shall be made available to the Auditor or the Equipment Compliance form cannot be completed.
Equipment Layout for Inspection
All items required for safety inspection should be laid out prior to the Auditor coming on board. Prior preparation will significantly reduce the time taken to complete the inspection.
• Storm boards ready to be put in place.
• Sea cocks and plugs exposed, not hidden by equipment.
• Know the water and fuel capacity of your tanks
• Fire extinguishers taken from brackets so date tags can be sighted.
• First Aid kits open and items with use by dates on the top so that expiry date can be checked.
• Publications and charts on chart table.
• Emergency navigation lights with batteries fitted.
• PFD's, harnesses, tethers and flares laid out.
• Radio installation inspection certificate.
• Life Raft Certificate
• Jackstays rigged.
• Lifelines tightened.
For appropriate forms and more information click here.
Hamilton Island Race Week Wrap Up
A final blast to the Molle Islands and back in trade winds up to 22 knots closed out the 38th Hamilton Island Race Week and decided the trophy winners on Saturday. The near 180-strong fleet featured a cross section of boats from every Australian state plus five international yachts. Close to 2,000 sailors put on a sensational display across the week, both in terms of performance and mateship.
Congratulations to all the MHYC boats and crews who performed so well throughout the week.
- Division 3 – Popeye (Craig Douglas) 2nd IRC
- Division 3 – Z7 (Laurie McAllister) 7th IRC
- Division 4 – Kukukerchu (David Ross) 1st ORC, 2nd IRC, 3rd PHRF
- Division 4– Little Nico (Indy Beck) 1st PHRF
- Blue Division– Caol Ila (Walter Carpenter) 3rd ORC, 12th EHC
- Orange Division – Ca Va (Phil Dressler) 8th EHC
- Orange Division – Flying Fish Let Loose (Jake Turner) 14th EHC
- Pink Division – Kayimai (Rob Aldis / Peter Byford) 1st ORC, 2nd EHC
- Purple Division – Impulse (Derek Minihane) 12th EHC
- Yellow Division – Llama II (Jon Linton) 10th EHC
- Non-Spinnaker Division – Champagne (Chris Haskard) 4th EHC
- Non-Spinnaker Division – Amaroo (Christian Beck) 10th EHC
For all the race results – click here
For the event website – click here
Little Nico photo by Bow Caddy Media, Kukukerchu photo by Salty Dingo
Thankyou to our Volunteers!
It’s National Volunteer Week and we would like to take this opportunity to say thankyou to all the wonderful volunteers who support our club and enable so many to enjoy their sailing and socialising at MHYC.
Our Race Management Team volunteers are on the water most weekends during the year running club races and regattas. This is a large and highly skilled team including many who have volunteered regularly over many years. But an oft-forgotten group are those who give their time on the club’s many committees, supporting a wide range of club activities from sailing to social activities to fundraising. The MHYC Flag Officers and Board especially make a significant commitment of their time and energy for our club.
As recognition of outstanding voluntary service at MHYC, Phil Darling was presented the 2023 R.B. Cooper Perpetual Award at the Annual Prizegiving last week. Phil has been an active member on the MHYC Sailing Committee for many years. He has been Chief Special Regulations Auditor since 2017 and is a member of the Australian Sailing NSW Safety Committee. Phil presents at MHYC Keelboat Safety Forums and for many years Phil has been coordinating the Free Get Checked Safety Audit days. He is an excellent auditor and mentor, always willing to help boat owners, and is a great supporter of novice and female crew members improving their skills.
To Phil and all the MHYC volunteers – Thankyou!
Hamilton Island Race Week Update
Hamilton Island Race Week 2023 got underway in stunning conditions last Sunday, with sunshine and a south-easterly breeze of 18-22 knots for the fleet of close to 180 boats. The following two days saw lighter breezes and the fleets having to deal with strong tides and avoiding the whales who are in abundance this year. MHYC boats spread across eight divisions enjoyed a lay day on Wednesday. After three days of racing, a number of boats on the club register are placed highly in their divisions…
- Division 3 IRC – Popeye (Craig Douglas) 4th
- Division 3 IRC – Z7 (Laurie McAllister) 7th
- Division 4 IRC – Kukukerchu (David Ross) 2nd
- Division 4 PHRF – Little Nico (Indy Beck) 1st
- Division 4 PHRF – Kukukerchu (David Ross) 2nd
- Blue Division EHC – Caol Ila (Walter Carpenter) 12th
- Blue Division ORC – Caol Ila (Walter Carpenter) 3rd
- Orange Division EHC – Flying Fish Let Loose (Jake Turner) 10th
- Orange Division EHC – Ca Va (Phil Dressler) 11th
- Pink Division EHC – Kayimai (Rob Aldis / Peter Byford) 8th
- Pink Division ORC – Kayimai (Rob Aldis / Peter Byford) 2nd
- Purple Division EHC – Impulse (Derek Minihane) 16th
- Yellow Division EHC – Llama II (Jon Linton) 1st
- Non-Spinnaker Division EHC – Champagne (Chris Haskard) 4th
- Non-Spinnaker Division EHC – Amaroo (Christian Beck) 6th
Racing at Hamilton Island Race Week concludes on Saturday.
For the latest race results – click here
For the event website – click here
MHYC Keelboat Sailing Winter Program
Make the most of the cooler months with MHYC program of events on the water and on land.
Afloat
The Winter Pursuit Series kicks off on May 13 with another race in June and two in July. This is followed by the Leading Edge Series of four pursuit races each Saturday in August. Four Winter Sprint Series race days are also scheduled, commencing on May 20 and concluding on July 29, with two windward-leeward races each day. In between, we have two Feature Races – Welcome to Winter on May 27 and Christmas in July on July 15. You can enter these as spinnaker or non-spinnaker and fully crewed or two-handed.
To view the Winter Pursuit and Leading Edge Series Schedule and Sailing Instructions – click here
To view the Winter Sprint Series Schedule and Sailing Instructions – click here
To enter any of these series – click here
Ashore
There are a series of activities scheduled between May and October to educate, inform and assist members prepare for the 2023-2024 sailing season.
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Wednesday 24 May |
Keelboat Sailing and Handicapping Information Night |
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Saturday 24th June |
Free Get Checked Day |
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Thursday 10th August |
Race Management Team Briefing |
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Sunday 20th August |
Free Get Checked Day |
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Sunday 20th August |
ORCc Measurement |
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Thursday 14 September |
Annual Skippers Briefing - 7pm |
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Thursday 21 September |
Skippers & Crew Meet & Greet - 7pm |
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Wednesday 27 September |
Keelboat Safety Forum - 7pm |
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Sunday 8 October |
MOB Practical Training Session - 10am |
For additional details on each of these sessions – click here
Sailing in North Queensland with Nautilus Marine Insurance
As one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading providers of insurance solutions for recreational vessels and marine businesses, Nautilus Marine Insurance actively supports those who reside in the region, those who visit for the relaxing cruising, and those who compete in the racing events that highlight the bucket list of many a sailor.
Attracting participants from all over Australia, Hamilton Island Race Week and Magnetic Island Race Week offer exciting racing for all types of yachts from carbon fibre racers to local catamarans. Nautilus Marine Insurance is delighted to be able to support the North Queensland yacht racing season, and the region, with their established partnership involvement in both these regattas.
Of course, Nautilus Marine Insurance customers who travel to participate in the North Queensland regattas are covered by the terms of their policy as they journey north, and then as they head back to their home ports. One such customer is Peter Lewis, the past Commodore of Middle Harbour Yacht Club and Chair of the Making Waves Foundation, the charity of choice for the Hamilton Island Regatta.
Peter told us how much he always looks forward to his regular trip up the coast to North Queensland for both the racing and the cruising. “I am one of a group of school mates and friends who own a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440 named “Ça Va”. We cruise North every year, stopping along the way to see friends, change crew, explore different anchorages, and get the boat ready to race at Hamilton Island Race Week.”
This year the crew of Ça Va have also entered the Magnetic Island Race Week. “It’s a big commitment to get to North Queensland, and great to know that as a Nautilus Marine Insurance customer we are covered should anything go wrong. This year we have also decided to extend both our cruising and our racing… we don’t aim to be back in Sydney until October!” he enthused.
Townsville local Lyndy Sawbridge, with husband Chris, skippers the Bavaria 38 Helena May based at Townsville Yacht Club. After placing mid-fleet at the 2022 Magnetic Island Race Week, including a win in Race 4, Lyndy and crew will be back to show up the visitors in 2023. “Bring it on I say. There is so much talent and passion in the sailing community here in Townsville and Magnetic Island. We always look forward to mixing it up with the visitors!”
For those like Lyndy, who are lucky enough to live and sail in the area all year round, you can contact Nautilus Marine Insurance or your broker for help. Nautilus Marine Insurance provides quality marine insurance for many customers in this region insuring vessels within secure marina environments, with certain restrictions on mooring types. Nautilus Marine Insurance policy holders submit an annual checklist to be completed to assist us with further information, this includes whether you are considered an absentee owner.
Remember, for your peace of mind, all vessels travelling north, and locally based crews competing in regattas that choose Nautilus Marine Insurance, will be protected by a leading private pleasure craft insurance provider.
This protection includes:
• Coverage up to 250 nautical miles off the mainland Coast of Australia (within Australian waters).
• Emergency Assistance (limits apply).
• Salvage costs, over and above the vessels sum insured.
• Nil Excess for loss or damage to the boat, by an insured event, if at a marina Berth/private jetty or pontoon (excluding damage caused by a Named Cyclone)
• Club yacht races up to 100 nautical miles, including the use of your spinnaker.
For further information call the Nautilus Marine Insurance team on 1300 780 533, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call your Insurance Broker.
About Nautilus Marine Insurance
Nautilus Marine Insurance are a leading provider of insurance solutions for recreational vessels and marine business assets across Australia and New Zealand, protecting over 45,000 vessel owners and marine industry members. For over 17 years, Nautilus Marine Insurance has been a specialist supplier of insurance for pleasure craft and marine business assets and liability insurance. Nautilus Marine Insurance provide coverage for pleasure craft of all sizes, ranging from sailing dinghies and PWCs through to yachts, runabouts, and luxury motor yachts as well as commercially operated boats and marine businesses. Through its Industry Lines division Nautilus Marine Insurance also specialises in providing tailored business insurance for clients servicing the recreational boating market including marina operators and owners, yacht clubs and boat clubs, boat dealerships and most marine trades including boat repairers and boat service providers. Thousands of professional insurance advisers and brokers choose to work with Nautilus Marine Insurance. These insurance experts trust the breadth of Nautilus Marine’s products and claims support to recommend our products and services to their clients. Nautilus Marine Insurance has a passionate team of over 80 staff and offices across Australia and New Zealand. Nautilus Marine Insurance is a business name of NM Insurance Pty Ltd.
For specific terms and conditions, please refer to our PDS and TMD that can be found on our website at www.nautilusinsurance.com.au , or refer to your insurance policy certificate.
ABN 34 100 633 038, AFSL 227186. Visit www.nautilusinsurance.com.au
Read more: Sailing in North Queensland with Nautilus Marine Insurance
Gentle Wednesday Race
The Pacific Rigging Wednesday Non-Spinnaker Race was a quiet affair today, with the north-easterly not rising above six knots. The fleet managed most of Course 2, sailed between Eastern Channel and Manly, but were shortened at Edwards Beach. First home in Division 1 was Gordon Ketelbey’s Zen, ahead of Gambler (Garth Riley) and Austmark (Gunther Schmidt-Lindner). Graeme & Chris Lee’s Far N Away took a four-minute win in Division 2, beating home Renaissance (Gary Carless) and Stormaway (Jack Stening & Colin Gunn).
For the race results – click here
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