Combined Clubs Prizegiving
.jpg)
The prizegiving for the 2021-2022 Sydney Harbour Combined Clubs Summer Series was held at Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron last night. Congratulations to the MHYC boats on the winners podium:
- Advanced Philosophy (Peter Sorenson) – Division 1 IRC 2nd
- Innamincka (John Crawford) – Division 3 ORC 1st
- No Friends (Geoff Charters) – Division 2 PHS 3rd
- Rumba (Rob Carr) – Division 2 PHS 1st, IRC 3rd
- Wailea (Neil Padden) – Division 2 ORC 2nd, IRC 2nd
To view the series results – click here
Hooligan, Swish and Infotrack podium in Pittwater Act 4
The 2021 MC38 season champion and home club team has taken their first scalp for 2022 on Pittwater by four points.
Marcus Blackmore’s Hooligan, sailing for the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, led the nine-boat fleet on day one and consolidated on day two, beating Steve Proud’s Swish and the Indy Beck skippered InfoTrack on overall points.
“The racing was awesome; the level is as high as it’s ever been,” said Hooligan’s tactician Ben Lamb.
Five different winners from seven races and the victor of last month’s Act 3 placing seventh overall shows how quickly results can flip in this class.
Act 4 Full results
Sunday recap thanks to Tilly McKnight Media
On their success Lamb added: “We’ve been sailing as a team for a long time on various boats and it feels like we are a real unit. Marcus did an excellent job driving and leading us this weekend – it’s a pleasure to be on board.”
Saturday’s gusty 15-23 knot winter sou’westers marked Ian Box’s helming debut in the tightknit one design class. Thor’s owner Matt Hanning had work commitments so Box, owner of the Middle Harbour-based XP44 Toy Box 2, stepped in.
“It’s a fun boat to sail - very physical. You need the right team,” Box said. “Yesterday we had plenty on while today was a whole lot easier – and I liked the nice flat water of Pittwater,” added the yachtsman who is more familiar with the swell and chop of Sydney Harbour.
Two MC38s fell foul on Saturday including Thor, a race three withdrawal after their mast was over-jacked.
Shaun Lane and Quentin Stewart’s Lazy Dog retired from race two after losing their hydraulic mast jack, which also sprayed oil around the boat. “We had to bail out of that race and set up a jury rig, then we couldn’t get full tension in the rig so we just hung in there for the rest of the day,” Lane said. “It was fixed overnight and we picked up boat of the day on Sunday. We worked hard for that result – it wasn’t a gift. The fleet is so compressed.”
Proud’s second-placed Swish team, with Billy Sykes calling tactics, is the benchmark for upwind speed according to Lamb. “Swish is sailing really fast and their set-up and upwind boat speed is impressive. Our next goal is to match them upwind.”
Sunday’s cool 6-10 knot southerlies changed the pace for the strong fleet but not the never-ending fight for placings. An incident at the top gate in the final race saw Ginger’s bow sprit end up in Rapid Pay’s cockpit, the two boats tangled briefly until crews separated them. Ginger was fouled by umpire Tom Spithill.
Middle Harbour Yacht Club will host Act 5 of the MC38 season July 23-24 on Sydney Harbour before some of the fleet are trucked to the Whitsundays for Hamilton Island Race Week, August 20-27.
The class’s championship series will then resume from Middle Harbour Yacht Club the weekend of September 17-18.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MC38Class
Insta: @mc38aus
Website: https://mc38racing.com/
Lisa Ratcliff - Australian MC38 Association media
Photos by Tilly McKnight Media...
|
|
|
|
|
|
Read more: Hooligan, Swish and Infotrack podium in Pittwater Act 4
Ginger wins MC38 Act 3
Leslie Green’s Ginger has won the MC38 Act 3 at Middle Harbour Yacht Club this weekend.
After a delayed start waiting for the breeze to fill in on Saturday, four good windward-leeward races were completed in a freshening north-easterly on The Sound. Ginger took two wins and two second placings to build a clear lead after the first day. Lazy Dog (Shaun Lane & Quentin Stewart) and Infotrack (Indy Beck) finished day one on equal points but a win for Lazy Dog in Race 2 broke the tie in their favour.
On Sunday, the sun struggled to burn off the overcast skies and a faltering breeze changed from west to north and never stabilised. Race Officer Steve Tucker and the MHYC Race Management Team had two attempts at setting courses, but the decision to abandon racing was made in the early afternoon.
To view the results – click here
Many thanks to Marg Fraser-Martin for the photos…….
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MHYC 2022 Winter Education Program
The quieter, cooler months is a great time to refresh your knowledge and skills in preparation for the coming summer season. MHYC has scheduled a series of evening presentations, along with some daytime practical sessions, designed to inform and educate keelboat owners and crews as well as our race management officials and volunteers.
Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to let us know if you would like to attend any of the sessions below…..
Keelboat Sailing Information Program
|
Date |
Time |
Details |
|
Wed 15 June |
1900-2100 |
ORC Club Handicapping – Chris Zonca |
|
Sat 25 June |
0900-1500 |
Free Get Checked Day |
|
Wed 29 June |
1900-2100 |
Keelboat Safety Forum – Phil Darling |
|
Sun 10 July |
0900-1200 |
MOB Training – Phil Darling |
|
Wed 13 July |
1800-1930 |
Navigation – Julie Hodder (NOTE NEW TIME) |
|
Wed 20 July |
1800-1900 |
Racing Rules Refresher – Damien Boldyrew |
|
Wed 3 August |
1900-2130 |
Flags & Signals – David Staley |
|
Sun 21 August |
0900-1500 |
Free Get Checked Day |
Race Officials & Volunteers Education Program
|
Date |
Time |
Details |
|
Sat 18 June |
0900-1100 |
Mark Laying & Retrieval Practical |
|
Wed 20 July |
1900-2100 |
Development Workshop for existing Club Judges |
|
Wed 3 August |
1900-2130 |
Flags & Signals (Part 1 of the Club Race Officer Course) |
|
Wed 10 August |
1900-2130 |
Race Management (Part 2 of the Club Race Officer Course) |
|
Thu 18 August |
1900-2100 |
Season 2022-2023 Race Management Briefing |
To register for the Club Race Officer Course on August 3 & 10 - click here
There are a variety of accredited courses delivered by Australian Sailing and other providers for Race Officials & Volunteers. These include Protest Committee Member, Regional Judge, Umpire, State or National Race Officer, Official Class Measurer, Radio Operator, Powerboat Handling and First Aid etc. If you would like more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Farr 40’s Back in Force for 25th Year Anniversary Regatta
Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron really turned on the charm as host of the Farr 40, 25th Year Anniversary Regatta!
For Saturday’s race, Principal Race Officer Rob Ridley set off the eight-boat fleet on a passage race around Sydney Harbour in a pleasant 8 – 12 knot westerly breeze and magnificent autumn sunshine. Nutcracker and Exile both got away to good starts and were neck and neck at the first turning mark, with the whole fleet just behind and converging fast. A tight reach up the harbour to Cannae Point made for exciting rides, and nearly all boats took an involuntary spill at some point! Positions remained relatively orderly for the trip back down the harbour. However, nothing can ever be taken for granted on Sydney Harbour, and in a race of ‘Snakes & Ladders’, the whole fleet order changed at the Taylors Bay turning mark, courtesy of a massive wind shadow. Forty and Solymar were to emerge as the new race leaders. Conditions changed quickly in the final few miles of the race, and those who reacted with the tidiest boat handling were rewarded.
Everyone enjoyed the race with Nutcracker sailing well to win, and Forty and Solymar holding on to take second and third respectively. Back at the RSYS clubhouse, cold drinks and a BBQ feast awaited the eighty weary and hungry competitors. Event sponsors Oakdene Wines, North Sails Australia, and Foxtel generously provided terrific prizes for the event Raffle winners. It was a wonderful day indeed, with the iconic ‘Squaddie’ at her glorious best!
Day two of the regatta greeted the fleet with light southerly winds, raising doubts as to whether racing could even take place. In some fine Race Management work, three short windward leeward races were in fact completed before the breeze completely dropped out. Exile was boat of the day with two race wins and a 5th. Current National champion Edake also had a good day, posting a 2nd, 3rd, 4th. However, it was consistency across both days of the regatta which was to produce the overall placegetters.
After a break from the class, it was terrific to see Sam Hill and Mick O’Brien back to take 3rd place overall in Forty. Also back for the event, was class stalwart and past World Champion Guido Belgiorno-Nettis, who showed all those years of practice haven’t gone astray – Exile placed 2nd overall. But it was the most practiced and consistent team of late who were to take the overall regatta win aboard Nutcracker, guided masterfully around the course by tactician Grant Simmer.
As a newcomer to competitive yacht racing, Peta Davis remarked: “It was an absolute thrill for me as a guest and sponsor to experience racing on the Saturday and meet some sailing icons. Sailing on Sydney harbour was phenomenal and Oakdene Wines look forward to being a part of your next event”. Regatta sponsor, Mark Bradford, of North Sails Australia had this to say of the weekend: “It was great to be a part of this event, North Sails and the Farr 40 class have a long and successful relationship. This was a great weekend for trading old war stories... It was also great to check back in with a boat and a Class that has given us some of the best racing of our careers"
Final words to Nutcracker skipper, Rob Davis: “What a weekend, we could not have hoped for a better location and conditions. The class looks to have emerged from the pandemic in good shape and a resurgence in fleet numbers. It’s good to see the class executive has recognised the changing times though, putting in place some new and different event formats. With more initiatives in the pipework’s for next season, the fleet should continue to enjoy a bright future”.
The Farr 40 Class wish to extend their thanks and gratitude to RSYS for providing an outstanding weekend of sailing and socialising.
Results - click here
Photos courtesy Marg's Yacht Photos
|
|
|
|
|
|
Read more: Farr 40’s Back in Force for 25th Year Anniversary Regatta
Winter Pursuit Race 2
Eight yachts competed in todays Winter Pursuit Race. It was a clear day with a tricky westerly breeze, with some spinnakers used successfully and some not at the start.
Bob Cox came in first place on Nine Dragons, and an extremely close finish for the next three yachts, one second apart finishing in a tricky light breeze at the club house. Second place Wailea (Neil Padden), third place Stormaway (Jack Stening and Colin Gunn), followed by Dania (Peter Charteris) also just one second away.
For Full Results click here
Exciting Racing for the MHYC Women's Keelboat Regatta
The MHYC Women’s Keelboat Regatta kicked off on Saturday with boats completing all three races. The AP went up just before the 11am start with the MHYC Race Management Team waiting for the shifting breeze to settle to a moderate nor westerly breeze. Two windward leeward races when then completed shortly after 1pm enabling a short break before the start of the passage race.Tension was high with a number of boats breaking the start in Division 1 before the fleet settled to some good competitive racing with seconds settling the series score between the three J24’s.
Race 1 winners were Georgia Express (Katie O’mara) Overall And All Female Division 1 and Innamincka ( Shelley Montague) Overall, Female Helm and One Design One Design in Division 2.
In Race 2 it was Khaleesi ( Co-Skippered by Liz Charles and Skye Paton) in first place for the Overall and Female Helm in Division 1 and Artemis (Tracy Richardson) Overall and All Female Division 1 with Kaotic ( Catherine Thornton-Rofe)first place in One Design.
In Race 3 for the passage, Rachel Beck came in 1st place on Law Connect in Division 1 Overall and All Female and Okavango Delta (Lyn Humphreys) got first place in Division 2 Overall , Female Helm and One Design.
Series results were…
All Female Crew Division 1
1st Law Connect Rachel Beck MHYC
All Female Crew Division 2
1st Artemis Tracy Richardson MHYC
Female Helm Division 1
1st Georgia Express Katie O’Mara MHYC
2nd Khaleesi Liz Charles and Skye Paton MHYC
3rd Corum Kate Rowe MYC
Female Helm Division 2
1st Okavango Delta Rhoslyn Humphreys
2nd Kaotic Catherine Rofe MHYC/MYC
3rd Innamincka Shelley Montague MHYC
J24 One Design
1st Okavango Delta Rhoslyn Humphreys MYC
2nd Kaotic Catherine Thornton-Rofe MHYC/MYC
3rd Innamincka Shelley Montague MHYC
MHYC Women’s Regatta Overall Division 1
1st 1st Law Connect Rachel Beck MHYC
2nd Khaleesi Liz Charles and Skye Paton MHYC
3rd 1st Georgia Express Katie O’Mara MHYC
MHYC Women’s Regatta Overall Division 2
1st Okavango Delta Rhoslyn Humphreys MYC
2nd Kaotic Catherine Thornton-Rofe MHYC/MYC
3rd Innamincka Shelley Montague MHYC
For full results click here
A big thanks you to Marg Fraser-Martin for the amazing photos!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Read more: Exciting Racing for the MHYC Women's Keelboat Regatta
Welcome to Winter Feature Event
It was a glorious sunny day for the start of the Welcome to Winter Feature Event today, in a light westerly breeze. A small fleet headed out on Course one for a downwide start with Contentious getting the gold star for the best kite hoist for the handfull of spectators watching onshore at Clontarf Beach.In Division 1 Jack Stening was first across the line on Stormaway followed by Georgia Express (Andy Forbes) in second and Tempo (Michael Smith) in third place.In Division 2 Brian Lees got the gun on Contentious followed by Innaminka who took this opportunity to share around the helm with all the crew!.
For full results click here
Centreboard Winter Series kicks off
Mother's Day provided a sunny light south easterly for the first races in MHYC's Centreboard Winter Series. Thirteen Optimists and a Flying Eleven joined in for three races. Current State Champion Will Wilkinson claimed three wins to lead the series from Miles Greenwood, Brendan Goh and Heidi Bates, all on equal points.
To view the results - click here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MHYC Annual Presentation Night
The MHYC Annual Presentation Night was held on Saturday the 14th May for the 2021-2022 season. Skippers and crew got together for a night of celebration in the Harbourview Room overlooking the Marina on a star lit night.
Trophies were awarded and achievements recognised across the Offshore and Inshore Divisions, Cruising and Twilights Series including Women's Helm. The hard work of volunteers, committee members and staff was recognised along with the wonderful support of the club's sponsors.
A number of special awards were announced, including Crew Member of the Year awarded to Matthew Miles, a regular sailor on Innamincka, Waterborne Again and Kaotic and the MHYC Flag Officers Participants Award for the MHYC Yacht having participated in the greatest number of MHYC Events in the Winter and Summer Seasons going to Neil Padden on Wailea for the second year in a row.
The R.B. Cooper Perpetual Award for Voluntary Service is presented to a Club Member whose outstanding voluntary service is deemed to have contributed most to the affairs and wellbeing of MHYC in a membership year was a very popular winner this year being presented to Marg Fraser-Martin by MHYC Chairman Special Events Ian Box. Marg's images capturing the club’s broad range of on-water activities rolled across the screen during the evening and have populated our Facebook posts, website and publications across the year.
The Norman G. Booth Trophy (nominated for consistent racing with the MHYC and with emphasis on enthusiasm, improvement, sportsmanship and Clubmanship throughout the season) is to be awarded at a later date.
The very special Tig Thomas Memorial Trophy to recognize MHYC members who have competed in interclub events
and major championships was this year awarded to youth sailor Will Wilkinson for his many achievements racing the Optimist.
Also this year we crowned the inaugral 'Jule's Trophy' for MHYC Yachtswoman of the Year trophy to Tracy Richardson.
For a full list of Perpetual Tropy Winners click here
Congratulations to all of our winners!
Free Get Checked Audit Days - Sat 25th June & Sun 21st August
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 2022-2023 season are Saturday 25th June and Sunday 21st August 2022.
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.
Read more: Free Get Checked Audit Days - Sat 25th June & Sun 21st August