Best crew work pays dividends at Sydney Harbour Sprint Series
Although challenging due to changing conditions, competitors enjoyed a beautiful spring day for the first round of the Sydney Harbour Sprint Series (SHSS) 23/24, which commenced with three races starting from midday today on Sydney Harbour.
Ian Box leads Division 1 of the series by two points after sailing Toybox 2 to a pair of wins and a second place from Brent Lawson’s Farr 40, Bluetack. Regular rival, Bob Cox with Nine Dragons, a DK46, is a further two points away. Box’s XP44, the recipient of recent modifications, also leads ORC overall.
The fleet started in the middle of the Heads and sailed into a westerly. In the second race, the wind shutdown, ”then we got an easterly,” Box told. “The start of the third race was relocated to Dobroyd and took us to Cannae Point in a nor’ easter. We had everything. You had to be on your toes.”
Box continued, “It was close racing all day. We had three good starts and were quite competitive and fast downwind in all three races. We were able to hold the two Farr 40s downwind, which was pleasing, not to mention unusual. We could sail deeper and faster downwind. We’re very happy with the modifications to the boat.”
Describing the competition, the yachtsman said, “There was a lot of boat-on-boat action and that was great for crew work. Our crew were on top of things.
“The turnaround times between races was short too, with a separate finish line. It meant that if need be, you could start a new Division 1 race with Division 3 still doing the earlier race. It meant no sitting around waiting and waiting.”
In Division 2, Neil Padden’s Beneteau First 40.7, Wailea, claimed the spoils after scoring two wins and a second. Wailea leads Garth Riley’s Adams 10, Sirius, by one point. Padden also leads ORC overall in the division.
However, Padden was not aboard. “Niclas Westling skippered Wailea in my place. They did better without me than with me,” he said with a laugh from France.
Westling takes up the story: “We had a fantastic day, in particular our starts went well. We started Race 1 with a port start ahead of the fleet and managed to find the shifts, it was quite gusty too. We had good team work, although some of our spinnaker drops were a bit late, but we repaired that on the upwinds. We really enjoyed the day.”
Tracy Richardson’s Artemis leads the Adams 10 pointscore with a pair of wins and a second. The Adams 10s sailed in Division 2, but have a separate one-design pointscore as well.
Richardson commented, “We tend to pay attention to our class mates more than the rest of the fleet, but we did notice Wailea and Firecracker (Scott Lawson’s Fareast 28R) flying around the course.
“We had three very different races,” she shared. The first started with a westerly around 12-15 knots, then in the second it swung right around to nor-east, dropped out and we all got stuck in the middle of course. A few went left and others went right. We got lucky on the left. We dropped our jib and got our kite up and had great race to finish line. In the third race, the nor’ easter stayed in at a steady 12-15 steady knots. It was a typical summer nor’ easter.”
On the crew work, which is what this series embodies, Richardson commented, “The crew responded to the changes well. The starts with the Adams are always exciting – we messed up the last start though – we got stuck at the pin. We came back on port though, and had clear air, so managed to come out of it OK.
“We expected light breeze, so we were a bit short-handed, so we all had to sail really hard. The light crew helped though, as it was fairly light, but there was lots going on and the sprints were hectic. So much fun and exciting. So good to see five Adams 10s out. They were pretty evenly matched as usual and we had a beautiful day on the water,” Richardson ended.
Division 3 is cleanly lead by Oloff Tromp’s Waterborne Again. Six points separates the J24 from Brett Churcher’s Hanse 375, Plan B and Dean Dransfield’s Beneteau Oceanis 41, Escape.
This new series, being held over three weekends in spring and winter, was designed to provide stimulating short format racing. Races are capped at 60 minutes and highlight the best crew work in each division.
The SHSS is open to a wide variety of keelboats. Courses normally comprise two-lap windward/leewards with a gate and racing is run by an experienced race management team from Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
The next round of competition, Races 4, 5 and 6, will be held on Saturday 11 November, 2023.
Full results: www.mhyc.com.au/sailing/regattas-championships/sydney-harbour-sprint-series
By Di Pearson/MHYC media
Photos by Marg Fraser-Martin and MHYC
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Read more: Best crew work pays dividends at Sydney Harbour Sprint Series
Cruising Division October Guest Speaker Lee Condell
Thinking about doing the Sydney to Hobart two-handed or taking up short-handed racing? If it’s a yes, then this talk is a must see!
Lee competed last year in the Two-Handed Sydney to Hobart and raced in the blue water series with CYCA.
He will talk about:
- Setting your boat up for short-handed racing,
- Race preparation for short-handed racing,
- Managing tiredness,
- How to handle manoeuvres,
- Finding a suitable partner etc.
Come along to hear from Lee firsthand and get your questions answered.
Monday October 16th in the MHYC Harbour View Room
6:30pm BYO BBQ - 7:30pm Guest Speaker Lee Condell
Read more: Cruising Division October Guest Speaker Lee Condell
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!
Change of Date - Keelboat Safety Forum & MOB Practical session.
Led by National Safety Equipment Auditor and RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, Phil Darling, the Keelboat Safety Forum via Zoom videoconference on Wednesday 11 October at 7pm covers MHYC’s risk management framework, harbour hazards, dealing with groundings, vessel and crew preparation, and MOB retrieval along with an open forum to discuss participants areas of interest.
To join the Zoom Meeting...
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86144634299?pwd=YXc2NDBtK3hpZy8xMEJMODBOd29rZz09
The MOB Practical session has also been postponed until 10am Sunday 29 October.
We hope you can join for both these sessions.
Read more: Change of Date - Keelboat Safety Forum & MOB Practical session.
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
Inclusive Classes Regatta at Easter
Photos by Andrea Francolini and Beau Outteridge
An Inclusive Classes Regatta will be conducted by Middle Harbour Yacht Club from March 29 to April 1 (Easter weekend) 2024. The Notice of Race has now been published and online entry is open.
The regatta program includes arrival and training on the Friday followed by three races each day on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Sailing will be on Middle Harbour in the vicinity of Balmoral. Invited classes are Hansa 303 (one person & two person), Hansa Liberty & International 2.4mR.
The regatta will also comprise the 2.4mR NSW Championship and Hansa Class NSW Championships for 2024. In addition, the it will be the inaugural NSW Para Sailing Championships. Results of eligible para sailors will be extracted from the open fleet results.
A limited number of Hansa charter boats will be available for competitors travelling from interstate or outside the Sydney Metro area. To register your interest for a charter boat, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at the earliest opportunity.
All regatta information is on the Regatta Webpage.
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….
Register Now for Onshore Sessions
Skippers & Crew Session - New Date
Due to expected low numbers, the Skippers & Crew Meet & Greet planned for 7pm September 21 has been postponed.
An online Skippers & Crew Session has now been scheduled for 7pm Wednesday 4 October.
To register - click here
Keelboat Safety Forum & MOB Practical Training - New Dates
Online Keelboat Safety Forum - Wednesday 11 October at 7pm
Led by National Safety Equipment Auditor and RYA Yachtmaster Instructor, Phil Darling, the Zoom videoconference session on Wednesday 11 October at 7pm covers MHYC’s risk management framework, harbour hazards, dealing with groundings, vessel and crew preparation, and MOB retrieval along with an open forum to discuss participants areas of interest.
Sunday 29 October from 10am - MOB Practical Training Session
Following on from the MOB theoretical session of the Keelboat Safety Forum, this session provides the opportunity to use a MOB mannequin to practice MOB Retrieval techniques.
To register – 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
Saturday Racing - 16 September 2023
It was a very warm day with light breezes for the first Combined Clubs Inshore Series race of the new season hosted by Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron which counted as Race 2 in the MHYC Inshore Series. The race start was delayed until the breeze settled in the north-east, although it remained shifty and below 10 knots throughout.
Within the Combined Clubs 41 boat fleet, Jack Stening and Colin Gunn’s Stormaway excelled in Division 2, taking the win on ORC and IRC. Brian Lees’ Contentious placed 2nd in Division 2 on ORC, as did Ian Box’s Toy Box 2 in Division 1 on IRC. Marc Tromp’s Waterborne Again claimed the Division 3 win on PHS.
In the MHYC Pointscore for Division 1, Toy Box 2 was first on ORC, IRC & PHS, Kukukerchu (David Ross) scored 2-2-3 and Khaleesi (Rob Aldis) 3-3-2. In Division 2, Stormaway also took the trifecta placing 1-1-1 on ORC, IRC and PHS. Contentious scored 2nd on ORC and 3rd on PHS, while Wailea (Niclas Westling) was 3rd on ORC, 2nd on IRC and 4th on PHS. Division 3 was scored on PHS only, with Waterborne Again the winner from Escape (Dean Dransfield) and Plan B (Brett Churcher).
MHYC Inshore Pointscore Results - click here
Combined Clubs Inshore Series Results - click here
Many thanks to RSYS for the race management and to Marg Fraser-Martin for the photos today.
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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