GO GO Beck out-sails family while Lazy Dog edges out Swish
A third place to Christian Beck and his Infotrack GO team is as good as the MC38’s Act 6 overall victory given he beat two family members, the grinning skipper reckons.
“I’m very happy with that result,” Beck said back at the host Middle Harbour Yacht Club. “Not only did we come third, we also beat my son Indy helming Infotrack and my wife Rachel helming Law Connect. I don’t really care about beating any else!
“It’s the first time I’ve steered the whole series. Conditions were awesome, a bit fluky but that was challenging and fun. A special mention to Tony Mutter on tactics and Alex Gough for his input over a great weekend,” Beck added.
Yet another countback decided the final weekend series winner for the class’ 2022 season. This time it was retiring Australian class president Shaun Lane and his Lazy Dog co-owner, Quentin Stewart. Lazy Dog and Steven Proud’s Swish duelled relentlessly – the pair wrapping up Saturday and Sunday’s pointscores tied at the top of the scoresheet. Lazy Dog’s three race wins from seven versus Swish’s two made the difference.
“We had a real ding-dong with Swish, and Christian is sailing pretty tight,” Lane said. “The top three boats all had one shocker on Sunday. We were lucky to finish where we did given our fifth in the final race when the drop line got tangled and we couldn’t get the kite out, and had to cut the line.
“Both days were very fluky with the wind all over the place. Westerly fronts came through on Saturday bringing some decent squirts, one crew reckon they saw 27 knots. On Sunday the breeze was swinging between southwest and north northwest, down to 3 knots then suddenly gusting to 18,” Lane added.
MHYC race officer Steve Tucker and his savvy team ran another terrific regatta, the one-design class’ final act prior to the MC38 Australian Championship in November. There is talk that the nationals, to be hosted by Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron over three days, November 2- 4, could bring 10 MCs to the starting gates.
The class thanks Shaun Lane for his four-year presidency and welcomes Christian Beck as the new supreme commander.
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MC38Class
Insta: @mc38aus
Website: https://mc38racing.com/
By Lisa Ratcliff
Australian MC38 Association media
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Read more: GO GO Beck out-sails family while Lazy Dog edges out Swish
MHYC Racing on September 17
MHYC crews had their work cut out with variable conditions providing lots of challenges on September 17. Gusty winds, sometimes light and sometimes fresh, shifted between west and north. Sunshine was interspersed with rain.
The boats in the Inshore Spring Pointscore for IRC, ORC, PHS and Adams 10 shared a start line with the MC38 fleet contesting their Act 6 and sailed a course circling The Sound and finishing at the club. Neil Padden's Wailea took the IRC, ORC & PHS honours in Division 12 (combined divisions 1 & 2) while John Crawford's Innamincka won on ORC and Dean Dransfield's Escape claimed PHS in Division 3. Kim Darling's Lumine Lunae was best of the Adams 10s.
A number of MHYC crew competed in the CYCA Short Offshore Pointscore race yesterday and dealth with similar conditions to the inshore fleets. Sandy Farquharson helmed Khaleesi to an IRC win in Division 1 and Jack Stening & Colin Gunn reclaimed the Rubber Kellaway Plate for Division 2 on IRC in Stormaway. Andy Forbes' Georgia Express was third.
To view the Inshore Divisional Race Results - click here
To view the Inshore Division 12 Race Results - click here
To view the Short Offshore Pointscore Race Results - click here
Inshore Race photos by Marg Fraser-Martin
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Breezy Open Day for the MHYC Sail Past
Middle Harbour Yacht Club kicked off its 2022-2023 season on Saturday with a champagne breakfast followed by speeches from CEO Mark Maybury, Local Member of NSW Parliament Felicity Wilson and Club Captain Bryan Moore, who awarded Jack Stening his 50th anniversary badge. Jack is a dedicated member, volunteering much of his time supporting the marina committee and raising money for many projects around the club including the new race committee boat, Jack Stening, names in his honour. His Sydney 36, Stormaway is often on the podium in the many series they compete in. Ms Wilson and the Mark both spoke of the importance of volunteers to the club and community.
The official party then moved to the marina to acknowledge club yachts and powerboats participating in the annual Sail Past. Unfortunately, the freshening breeze meant that the Commodore's Front Up Cup pursuit race was abandoned, but a great social afternoon was had at the club with many crews dressed up in this year’s Black and White theme. Stormaway was the popular winner of the inaugural Matt Pyne trophy for the best dressed boat.
Many thanks to Marg Fraser-Martin for the many photos, more of which can be viewed here.
Tricky First Day for MC38 Act 6 at MHYC
It was day with everything - light to fresh breezes shifting unpredictably to the north and west with sunshine and rain. Plenty of challenges for competitors and the race management team on day one of the MC38 Act 6 being sailed on The Sound on September 17.
After four races, Shaun Lane & Quentin Stewart's Lazy Dog has a tie-break advantage over Steven Proud's Swish courtesy of two race wins. Christian Beck's Infotrack Go is third.
Three races are scheduled for Sunday to conclude the last of the MC38 Acts ahead of the Australian Championships being hosted by Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron in November.
To view the results - click here
Photos by Marg Fraser-Martin
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Inshore Sprint Series starts September
Andrea Francolini pic
Middle Harbour Yacht Club’s (MHYC) popular Inshore Sprint Series starts again this spring and the Club is expecting a good roll-up when the first two Sydney Harbour races are sailed on Saturday 24 September.
The series is open to mixed keelboat divisions for boats from J/24s to DK46s, along with One-Design racing for Farr 40s and Adams 10 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. Racing starts from 1pm each day.
Courses usually comprise two-lap windward-leewards with a gate. Run by an experienced race management team, racing will take place on The Sound or south of Sow and Pigs Reef, depending on conditions.
A regular participant is Tracy Richardson, who brings her Adams 10, Artemis, from Mosman Bay to race in the summer and winter sprints. She also takes part in other MHYC events, including the Sydney Harbour Regatta in March, where she sailed Artemis to second place in the Adams 10 division. This after leading Brian Lees’ Contentious on countback coming into the final day.
In May, Richardson became the inaugural recipient of the Jules Trophy (dedicated to Julie Hodder, a past Commodore of the Club). The trophy is to be awarded to the MHYC Yachtswoman of the Year at the end of each sailing season and Richardson received it for her standout performances during 2021-2022.
Commenting on the Inshore Sprint Series, Richardson said, “We love the close competitiveness of it. It’s exciting and fast paced with quick manoeuvres. I love the tactics of it too. I love racing against similar boats; it prepares us for our states and nationals and other Adams 10 events.
“We will be doing the upcoming series with my regular Artemis crew,” added Richardson, who won Division 1 of the Australian Women’s Keelboat Regatta in June on a borrowed Adams 10,
2Xtreme.
For winning Australia’s premier women’s keelboat regatta, the Sydney sailor received the privilege of being the first to have her name engraved on the inaugural Gail Clough Memorial Trophy. Clough, who founded and regularly sailed in the regatta, passed away in 2020.
“We invite our own club members and those from clubs all over NSW to come and take part. It’s a great series for honing skills on tight courses,” MHYC Commodore, Rob Aldis said.
Inshore Spring Series program:
- Races 1 and 2 - Saturday 24 September 2022
- Races 3 and 4 - Saturday 29 October
- Races 5 and 6 - Saturday 19 November
- Races 7 and 8 – Saturday 21 January 2023
- Races 9 and 10 – Saturday 1 April
To view the Sprint Series Sailing Instructions - click here
To enter - click here
By Di Pearson
Focus on Women's Sailing in October
MHYC is creating a focus for women in sailing during October as part of the World Sailing global Steering the Course Women's Sailing Festival.
MHYC Women in Sailing Social - Wednesday October 5 at 7pm
Join us to celebrate MHYC women in sailing. This event is open to everyone and will be a great way to kick-off the sailing season with a social event recognising some of the great sailors we have an MHYC. Hear from Tracey Richardson and the female crew of Artemis who were this year's Australian Women's Keelboat Regatta (AWKR) champions as well as the 2021-22 Sydney Harbour Women's Keelboat regatta winners. They will share their stories and practical tips that have helped them put together a fun and competitive team. The ticket price includes a drink on arrival and canapes. Please join us for a fun and social night! Book Now
MHYC Women's Try Sailing Day - Sunday October 9 at 10am
Come and try sailing at MHYC. Commencing at 10am, this event is open to everyone and free! The day will include a welcome and briefing, a relaxed 90-minute harbour sail on a MHYC members' keelboat and a sausage sizzle back at the club. Please join us for a fun and social day and find out how you can enjoy this wonderful sport and recreation. Book Now
MHYC Women's Twilight Series - Thursday October 13 at 6pm
The club’s popular Thursday Twilight Series includes twenty four 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. The first of the 2022-2023 Women’s Twilight Races get underway at 6pm on October 13. To enter a yacht – click here. If you are a crew looking for a yacht – email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To download the 2022-2023 MHYC Women's Sailing Poster - click here
Hamilton Island Race Week Report
The first couple of days we saw beautiful 15-18kt SE tradewinds across the racetrack which led to some very close racing. However yesterday, the winds lightened making it difficult for the heavier boats. Some cruising boats had difficulty finishing.
On Tuesday night, the huge number of MHYC boats and crew got together at the pub’s function room for a social gathering and catch up with free drinks! It was a fun and great bonding event with everyone swapping stories. Several people said, “I must join this club!”. Thanks must go to past Commodore Peter Lewis and current Commodore Rob Aldis for organsing it.
There are many MHYC boats here and will do a final roundup next week. But with still 5 races to go (3 for Hamilton Island PHS Division), and the possibility of one drop, there are still many who hope to get on the final podium.
So far doing well in the IRC racing fleet is Zen (Gordon Ketelbey) in IRC 1 who is in fourth place. In IRC Div 2, S1 (Brendan McAssey) is equal 3rd with Toy Box (Ian Box) climbing up the ladder after the light race yesterday taking 5th from Popeye (Craig Douglas). Lazy Dog (Shaun Lane) is leading the Super 30 Division with Infotrack (Christian Beck) third and Law Connect (Rachel Beck) sixth.
In the Hamilton Island PHS Division, Kayimai (Peter Byford and Commodore Rob Aldis) are leading the Green Division by one point and Llama II (John Linton) is leading the Yellow Division by 3 points.
In the Purple Division Rumba (Steph Cook /Rob Carr & Kerry Burke) are seventh, but looking to do better in the latter half of the week after having a mishap in one race with a mark! Also racing in that division is Flyingfish Let Loose (Andrew Fairclough).
In the Orange Division, Ca Va (Phil Dressler with Peter Lewis onboard) just managed to finish Tuesday’s light race before the time line. Also racing are Shearwater (Guido Belgiorno-Nettis) in the Blue Division, Smitten (David Grice) in the Non Spinnaker and Flo (Andrew Pearson) who missed the first couple of days racing.
Stronger winds are expected in the latter half of the week which is good news for some.
To view the latest results - click here
Julie Hodder reporting from Hamilton Island
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Pacific Rigging Wednesday Racing
Racing in the Pacific Rigging Wednesday Non-Spinnaker Series 1 is underway with Race 2 held today (September 14) in a 10 knot easterly under sunny skies.
Gunther Schmidtlindner's Austmark was the first Division 1 boat home ahead of Little Nico (Adrian Walters) and Bluetack (Brent Lawson). In Division 2, it was Todd Trenear's Equinox from Onya (Charles Caskey) and Stormaway (Jack Stening & Colin Gunn).
To view the latest results - click here
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Women’s Pre-Season Sailing Social
MHYC hosted a Women’s Social & Networking Evening on Wednesday August 17 in the Harbour View Room.
The event was facilitated by our Sailing Committee Women's Representative Deborah Dalziel. Forty five people attended - an even mix of both current members and non-members of MHYC.
In a very informal and relaxed environment, the event Involved Deb providing an overview of specific Women’s Sailing Events, K.J. from our Sailing Office with how the Sailing Office can assist you. Vice Commodore Cruising Susanna Westling informed about Cruising Events and opportunities to learn.
Deb shared her journey with sailing story and then lead a panel of four who shared their stories of how they each became involved with sailing and where that has lead them to currently, along with their tips on how to either get started or become more involved. Thanks Liz Charles, Tracy Richardson, Simone Hill and Katie O’Mara for sharing your stories and advice.
Everyone enjoyed getting social with new and familiar faces, all helping each other with advice and how-to’s.
Thanks Marg Fraser-Martin for the photos............
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MHYC Members in Magnetic Island
Townsville Yacht Club hosted the Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week from 1-7 September with some spectacular racing in breezy conditions.
Commodore Rob Aldis and Peter Sorensen OAM enjoyed the week's racing with notable results. Other MHYC boats also competing was Craig Douglas on Popeye,
Chris Lee with Farr n Away and Rob Reynolds on a Far East 28 .
Spinnaker Class IRC Division 1: 2nd Popeye Craig Douglas
Spinnaker Class IRC Division 1: 3rd Advanced Philosophy Peter Sorensen
Spinnaker Class EHC Division 1: 3rd Kayimai Rob Aldis
Spinnaker Class EHC Division 3: 3rd Fareast 28 Rob Reynolds
Non Spinnaker Class : Farr n Away Chris Lee
See the full results
For the latest stories and pictures check out their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MIRW2022/
photos curtesy Andrea Francolini
Airlie Beach Race Week
With 2 days to go and Race 2 abandoned the Saturday due to lack of wind, MHYC boats are in with a chance to get a podium position.
Zen, owned by Gordon Ketelbey, is currently coming 3rd in IRC and also in ORC General Purpose, but leader on Scratch coming 1st across the line each race.
Tempo (Michael Smith) is coming first in ORC General Purpose Division and 5th in IRC.
Peter Sorensen in Advanced Philosophy was second in yesterday’s race, but still fourth overall.
The Hanse 575 Fourth Dimension IV owned by Adam Griffin is coming 3rd in Performance Cruising Division 1
Airlie Beach Race Week | Festival Of Sailing Mixed With Fun & Excitement (abrw.com.au)