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MHYC Sailing Season Keelboat Preview

Middle Harbour Yacht Club is gearing up for another busy season of keelboat sailing and there are a number of innovations in the 2018-2019 racing program.

Lots to do during the week at MHYC!

Twilight fun apre sail on the beach at
Middle Harbour Yacht Club

Three series for the Melges 20 class have been added to Middle Harbour Yacht Club midweek program, each with eight race days scheduled from November to March. Starting at 6pm during daylight saving hours, Tuesdays will feature the Open Short Course Sprint Series and Wednesday evenings will feature the Women’s Short Course Sprint Series. Three races are planned for each evening of racing. Wednesday afternoons, coinciding with the regular pursuit race, will be a clubhouse start fleet race series. There are four Melges 20s at MHYC which are available for use by members. These quick and responsive sportsboats with their asymmetric gennakers are great fun to sail.

The Yacht Sales Australia Wednesday Non Spinnaker Pursuit Series has fifty one races scheduled this year. Wednesdays feature a clubhouse start for a variety of harbour courses and finish with the presentation of a bottle of rum for first place in each division.

The highly popular Thursday Twilight Series includes twenty five races this year, six of which make up the Women’s Twilight Pointscore. Four divisions of yachts, from family cruisers to purebred racing machines, share the joy of racing on our spectacular harbour. Perhaps the best part of the day is returning to the lively social atmosphere of MHYC as the sun goes down to enjoy a meal, wine and good friends.

MHYC attracts a large fleet of Adams 10 for its
inshore racing program (Crosbie Lorimer Photo)

Busy Saturdays at MHYC

There have been some changes to the Saturday Keelboat Series for 2018-2019.

Saturday Social Sailors is a new series commencing in mid-September. Seventeen short pursuit races are scheduled though until April 6 with a clubhouse start with the aim of providing a relaxed and social style of weekend race. The 2pm start and early finish are designed to coincide with the Spit Bridge opening times.

MHYC’s Inshore Series includes seventeen races over thirteen race days this year. Four days of windward-leeward sprint style races combine with a varied offering of harbour courses around laid and fixed marks to provide a true test of sailing skills. For those unable to compete on as many days, the MHYC Short Series provides a compact program of six harbour races over 6 days. The Adams 10 class will combine both these series for their annual pointscore.

The club’s Open & Offshore Series will comprise twenty one races sailed over seventeen days and includes offshore passage races, inshore harbour races and windward-leeward sprints.

Enjoying a great sail during the Seven Islands
Feature Event (Crosbie Lorimer Photo)

The ever popular MHYC Feature Event Series of fun pursuit races has been extended this year with two new events being conducted during the cooler months to make a total of nine feature events. Welcome to Winter will be held on the first of June and Christmas in July is scheduled for July 20. The Commodore’s Front Up! Cup kicks off the season on September 1.

Saturday racing in winter includes the Winter Sprint Series of eight races over four days, followed by four pursuit races in the Leading Edge Series to finish off the year.

Keelboat Regatta Program

The club has another busy program of Championship and multi-class Regattas this season.

The Farr 40 class has booked in for a series of two day regattas being held in September, October and January, culminating in the NSW Championships in February. The Adams 10 Waitangi Cup will also be held over two days in October.

The first of MHYC’s major regattas for the season is the Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championships, being held on November 24 & 25 in conjunction with the Super 12 Spring Regatta and Seven Islands Feature Race being held inshore. A strong field of TP52s and IRC boats are expected to make this year’s offshore program very exciting.

The Farr 40s will compete in four one-design
regattas at MHYC this year

The Sydney Harbour Regatta is scheduled for the first weekend in March and the Sydney 38 class will again use the event as its Australian Championships. While the Sydney 38s, TP52s and IRC boats complete their series of race offshore, another six or seven race areas in the Harbour will provide a full program for a wide range of classes. The Sydney Harbour Regatta attracts over 1000 competitors each year.

The final keelboat regatta of the year is the MHYC Women’s Regatta, being held on Saturday April 27. This year’s event was a great success, with entries from 6 clubs and a combination of sprint and harbour passage races on offer.

Charity & Corporate Regatta Program

Five Fridays during the warmer months have been set aside for Charity & Corporate Fundraising Regattas, with many returning year after year with over $1 million raised most years to support a number of worthy causes. The Giant Steps Autism Regatta is in October, ASX Thomson Reuters Regatta in November, SAP Redkite and the RFI Spurious Challenge in February and the massive Property Industry Foundation Regatta in March.

Safety the Priority

Up to ten TP52s are expected for the 2018 Sydney
Short Ocean Racing Championships and the
2019 Sydney Harbour Regatta (Andrea Francolini Photo)

MHYC has safety as its first priority in the conduct of its sailing program. All boats are required to have completed Safety Audits and races are conducted by accredited and experienced Race Officers operating under the club’s Marine Operations Policies. A range of training programs and information sessions, including first aid, radio, powerboat handling and man overboard, have been offered by the club during the cooler months, enabling members and volunteers to prepare for the season ahead.

The annual MHYC Skippers Briefing will be held at the club on September 20 to remind skippers of their obligations to keep a safe distance from commercial shipping and ferries in Sydney Harbour, to outline the sailing program for the year and note changes in the race documents.

New Crew and Volunteers Welcomed

A Crew Meet & Greet will be held on the evening of September 27 and this is an ideal opportunity for new sailors to meet owners and skippers looking for new crew. There are a range of opportunities, from small boats with a casual approach to serious racing yachts looking to build their numbers.

MHYC relies on a large team of volunteers with a variety of skills to help deliver its busy keelboat and centreboard racing programs each year. The club welcomes anyone interested in joining our great team of volunteers working afloat and ashore. Contact Catherine Rofe at the club if you are interested in crewing or volunteering.

A Social Place

Middle Harbour Yacht Club enjoys a spectacular location
at The Spit in Mosman (Haigh Gilchrist Photo)

MHYC offers a relaxed social atmosphere for sailors and non-sailors of all ages. There are regular sausage sizzles after Wednesday racing and the SandBar Café and Harbour View balcony are great places to take in the life of the club on the beach while enjoying a great meal, a snack, a coffee, beer or a wine.

The Best Location

Middle Harbour Yacht Club enjoys a wonderful location at The Spit, Mosman, has a sandy beach nestled within its marina and is close to the protected waters of Lower Middle Harbour without the busy commercial boating traffic of the main harbour.

More Information

For further information, contact:

MHYC Sailing Manager David Staley on 02 8969 3102 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

MHYC Sailing Administrator Catherine Rofe on 02 8969 3103 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or visit www.mhyc.com.au

Finale of Wednesday Pursuit Series caps off 2017-2018 Season

Today's final race of the Yacht Sales Australia Wednesday Non Spinnaker Pursuit Series 4 put the full stop on Middle Harbour Yacht Club's 2017-2018 Season with the Opening Day for the 2018-2019 program just three days away on September 1.

It was a moderate and cool southerly and sunny skies that greeted the 18 boats in today's race.

In Division 1 it was Toy Box 2 (Ian Box) first home from Lightspeed & Swish. Lumine Lunae (Raoul De Ferranti) took the honours in Division 2 ahead of Pearl 2 and Sirius.

In the series scores after 13 races, Swish (Steven Proud) won Division 1 with Austmark 2nd and TSA Management 3rd. Division 2 was won by Jim Curtis and the crew of Another Dilemma ahead of Lumine Lunae and Stormaway.

For the latest results - click here

Action Photos by Marg Fraser-Martin

Youth Sailing Season Preview

Middle Harbour Yacht Club is gearing up for another busy season of youth sailing.

Discover Sailing Centre

The club is delighted to welcome back Andrew Phillips who is leading the MHYC Discover Sailing Centre and Youth Programs.

Australian Sailing accredited Tackers (for ages 7-12) and Discover Sailing Dinghy courses (for teenagers) will operate over eight Saturday’s or Sundays during each of the school terms. Adventure Squad will operate on Saturdays, offering a more flexible approach to skill development and towards Dinghy Instructor training.

A series of 4 day School Holiday programs will also run during the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter breaks. This is a great opportunity for young sailors to build their skills and confidence with a more intensive training program.

MHYC’s Discover Sailing Centre is a registered provider for Active Kids vouchers.

Developing Young Sailors

Quality coaching is available for young sailors who have completed learn to sail courses, aiming to build their confidence, technique and understanding of racing. The pathway from Tackers is to Optimist Green and Silver Fleets, while those who have progressed through the Discover Sailing Dinghy levels move on to Race Squad.

In addition to regular sessions at MHYC, coach support is also provided at selected regattas and championships. The MHYC Coaching Programs can lead on to Class Association and State Squad Coaching Programs and competition in State, National and International regattas.

Parent & Sailor Information Nights will be held later in August in the Harborview Room at MHYC at 6.30pm. On Wednesday 22nd August, young sailors in a Tackers 2 or 3 Course will be able to find out everything about Green Fleet. On Wednesday 29th August, the focus moves to MHYC’s Race Squads and the Centreboard Racing Program.

Programs for Schools

MHYC offers sailing programs for both Primary and Secondary schools.

Primary School Programs use the Tackers syllabus which is designed for children aged 7 to 12 years, run by Australian Sailing qualified instructors and is a non-competitive sailing program based on fun participation. MHYC’s Discover Sailing Centre is a registered provider for Sporting Schools Tackers programs.

Secondary School Programs use the Discover Sailing Dinghy syllabus to provide a safe introduction to dinghy sailing with experienced instructors. MHYC’s School Team Sailing programs enable school teams to participate in representative sport.

There are currently spaces available for school programs which can be run during or after school hours.

Lively Club Racing

MHYC’s Centreboard Racing program operates on the protected waters of Middle Harbour between the club and Balmoral. The season kicks off with the Commodore's Front-Up Cup on Saturday September 1 with a series of 3 races before returning to the club to celebrate the Season Opening with the keelboat sailors. This year’s Opening Day theme is Superheroes, so we are looking forward to seeing some colourful characters on the race track.

The Centreboard Short Course Sprint Series follows on Sunday, 23rd September - a mini-regatta with 5 quick races to prepare sailors for the coming season of club championship races and events.

MHYC’s Centreboard Club Championship comprises 24 races held over 8 race days, starting on October 14 and concluding on April 7. The Centreboard Winter Series then commences on Sunday, 19 May with 18 races over 6 race days and winding up on August 11.

The 2018-2019 Centreboard Handbook is now available and includes the Notice of Race, Schedule of Races and Sailing Instructions.

Regattas

MHYC is one of the partner clubs in the Sail Sydney International Regatta, being held from December 4-9, 2018. This is one of the largest dinghy regattas on the sailing calendar and includes Olympic and Invited Classes. MHYC will be supporting race management for the junior and youth classes once again.

On February 16 & 17 next year, MHYC will host the second round of the NSW Championships for the exciting 29er & Nacra 15 classes. For those not competing, it will be a great opportunity to see some great racing.

It's a Social Place

MHYC offers a relaxed social atmosphere for sailors and non-sailors of all ages. There are sausage sizzles after dinghy racing and the SandBar Café and Harbour View balcony are great places to take in the activity on the beach while enjoying a coffee or a wine. Kids Discos are held every month on Friday evenings from 6-8pm, fully supervised and with entertainment by Bop Till You Drop.

The Best Location

More Information

For further information, contact:

Discover Sailing Coordinator Andrew Phillips on 8969 3116 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sailing Administrator Catherine Rofe on 8969 3103 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or visit www.mhyc.com.au

MHYC at Hamilton Island Race Week

Congratulations to all MHYC Sailors who participated at Hamilton Island Race Week which concluded Saurday August 25 with a short "around the islands" race and prizegiving.

Well done to the MHYC boats that made the journey north to compete in this spectacular competition. A great effort!

Many thanks to the Fabulous Race Management Team which includes our own Grant breeze, who is a regular volunteer on Leah Tash for the Offshore races.

Kayimai (Rob Aldis) is 2nd in EHC Division 3 with XC3SS (Peter Woodhead) 3rd and Llama II (Jon Linton) 10th.

Flying Fish Let Loose (Andy Fairclough) is 12th in EHC Division 4

Arawai (David Day) is 22nd in EHC Division 5

To view the latest results - click here

To view the regatta website - click here

Andrea Francolini Photo

Lachlan Clear - NSW Disabled Sailor of the Year

MHYC Member Lachlan Clear has been awarded at the NSW Disabled Sailor of the Year.

Lachlan Clear - 3rd place in the 2018 Liberty Open
Nationals and NSW Liberty Champion

Lachlan placed 3rd in Liberty Open Nationals held at Kogarah Sailing Club over the Easter long weekend this year. , He was 1st sailor with a disability in the Nationals and won the NSW Liberty Championship.

Congratulations Lachlan!

Australian Sailing NSW Media Release

Hunters Hill Sailing Club has been awarded NSW Club of the Year ahead of many others for their dedication and spirit in supporting sailing and their members.

The smaller, volunteer run club sits just west of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and is surrounded by many larger neighbouring clubs. The club's President Maria Quinlan places their success on their dedicated team of volunteers.

"HHSC are delighted to have won NSW Sailing Club of the Year. Great recognition for this small volunteer club with a big heart and big ideas.

"Thank you to Australian Sailing for this award and to all of the volunteers at HHSC who are key to its success." Quinlan continued.

Another spectacular moment from the evening was the award for the Female Sailor of the Year of which could not be split between 2012 Olympic silver medallist and crew member on board Brunel Racing in the 207-2018 Volvo Ocean race, Nina Curtis and 2016 Olympic silver medallist, Lisa Darmanin.

Both have excelled in regattas over the last 12 months and it was only fitting to present the award to both sailors. Lisa Darmanin, who is currently preparing to compete in Aarhus, Denmark for the World Championship couldn't be more proud to have received the award and to call NSW home.

"It's so great to receive this award alongside Nina Curtis. It's always so lovely to be recognised by the Australian Sailing community for our efforts even when we are so far from home. I love sailing in Sydney harbour it's definitely the best place in the world, so very proud to be from NSW!" Darmanin said.

In addition to the winners mentioned above, nine sailors from across NSW were selected from a long list of nominations to receive awards in their respected category. The winners include: Coach of the Year - Mike Leigh

Disabled Sailor of the Year - Lachlan Clear
Female sailor of the Year - Lisa Darmanin
Female Sailor of the Year - Nina Curtis
Instructor of the Year - Locky Pryor
Junior/Youth Sailor of the Year - Otto Henry
Male Sailor of the Year - Rupert Henry and Greg O'Shea
Official of the Year - Lyn and Ian Pine
Volunteer of the Year - John Maclurcan
Club of the Year - Hunters Hill Sailing Club

Thank you to Manly 16" Skiff Club for hosting a great evening and to all the attendees who made it such a great night.

The NSW Sailing Awards were held at Manly 16’ Skiff Club on July 21.

*MHYC Sailors performed well at the 2018 Australian Hansa Class Championships*

Fun Tackers and Discover Sailing Camps in October School Holidays

Fun sailing with new friends, adventuring around the Harbour and learning all the aspects of sailing - what a great way for young sailors to spend the school holidays!

Middle Harbour Yacht Club is running Tackers and Discover Sailing Camps during both weeks of the October School Holidays, providing safe, supervised holiday fun on the water for ages 7 – 18.

Camps will run from 9.00am – 3.30pm each day from Tuesday 2^nd – Friday 5^th October (Week 1), then from Monday 8^th – Thursday 11^th October (Week 2).

To download the information flyer - click here

For additional information - email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 02 8969 3116

The MHYC Discover Sailing Centre is proudly supported by....

Perfect day for Leading Edge

It was a perfect winters afternoon for race 2 of the MHYC Leading Edge series today.

A warm northerly of 15-20 knots made for a quick run downwind to Rose Bay and Fort Denison with a comfortable beat in flat water back to the club.

Peter Sorensen’s Philosophers recovered from some pre-start excitement to win the race from Nine Dragons and Lazy Dog.

To view the series results – click here

Yacht Sales Australia Wednesday Non-Spinnaker Series drawing to a close

Wednesday 22nd August was the penultimate race in the Yacht Sales Australia Non-Spinnaker Series 4 and sailed in a cool, fresh southerly.

Tony Levett's TSA Management claimed the Division 1 win from Grace O'Malley and Austmark, while Charles Caskey and the crew of Perception were the first home in Division 2 ahead of Mortgage Choice Rumba and Twocan.

With the final pointscore opportunity in the series scheduled for next Wednesday, Stephen Proud's Swish and Jim Vaughan's Another Dilemma have commanding leads in their respective divisions, but there is a queue of boats lining up for the minor placings.

To view the latest results - click here

Marg Fraser-Martin was at Point Piper for this week's race and captured these images...

Saturday Social Sailors Series 2018/19 Season

MHYC invites skippers and their crew to join in a new initiative for the 2018-2019 season.

The Saturday Social Sailors Series will be a pursuit race starting from the Club House at 2pm, with short courses planned

so boats can make the 4.30pm Spit Bridge Opening time. Choose between Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker entry.

The 17 race series starts on the Saturday 15th September. Come back to the club for a presentation.

Please contact the Sailing Office on 89693193 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

Commodores Cup - Super Season Opening on September 1

Middle Harbour Yacht Club's Season Opening for 2018-2019 is on Saturday, September 1.

Celebrations will get underway at 10.00am with a Champagne Brunch, complimentary for MHYC Members & VIP Guests, during which Commodore Peter Lewis will officially launch the 2018-2019 Sailing Season.

At 11.30am MHYC yachts will assemble in the vicinity of Wyargine Point to commence Sail Past for Keelboats and Centreboards. The theme for this year is Superheroes! We look forward to seeing some colourful boats and crew - prizes will be awarded for the Best Dressed Boat & Crew.

12.30pm is start time for the Commodore’s Front Up! Cup with a clubhouse pursuit start.

To welcome sailors ashore, there will be Live Music from 3pm till 6pm. Keelboat Race Presentations will be at 5.00pm. There will also be a Members Draw for a Hamilton Island prize!

Download the Opening Day Program and Sailing Instructions below:

Opening Day Program

Commodore's Front Up! Cup Sailing Instructions - Keelboats

To enter the Commodore's Front Up Cup please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Innamincka wins the MHYC 2018 Winter Sprint Series

John Crawford's Innamincka has won the MHYC 2018 Winter Sprint Series after the final two races were sailed today.

For race one, a patchy westerly resisted moving south as forecast and a large south-easterly swell made conditions difficult on The Sound. As the breeze faded, the course was shortened but a number of boats failed the complete the course before the time limit. Neil Padden's Wailea made the best of the situation, taking the race win from Another Dilemma and Lazy Dog.

After the wind had shifted from 250 to 120 degrees and freshened slightly, Race Officer Steve Tucker and his team were able to get the final race away - a short single lap from Grotto Point toward South Head and back. Jack Stening's Stormaway took the line and handicap honours to finish the series. Wailea was second on corrected time and Sirius third.

After six of the eight scheduled races were completed in the 2018 Winter Sprint Series, Innamincka (John Crawford) claimed the overall win, two points clear of Stormaway (Jack Stening) and Sirius (Garth Riley) four points further back.

To view the results - click here

Photos by Marg Fraser-Martin and David Staley

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