E-News 27 September
A busy week around your club and a long weekend approaching!
If you are planning on being away from the marina on your boat this weekend, please let Matt Pyne in the Marina Office know as we are expecting a group of visiting yachts from Pittwater and require berths for Saturday and Sunday evenings. Email marina@mhyc.com.au
With the move into Daylight Saving at 2.00 am Sunday, we are extending our Bistro hours. The Bistro will also be open this Sunday evening for dinner to enjoy a relaxing night before the public holiday.
Our very popular Thursday Twilight series will commence on 5th October - don't miss the fun of the first race!
Our first week school holiday Tackers Sailing Camp has been a great success and limited spaces are left available in Week Two - click here to register online
Don't forget to like our Facebook and Instagram pages to keep in touch with all our upcoming events.
#middleharbouryachtclub @middleharbouryachtclub
Sportsboat Program
With the sailing season now under way, why not take out one of the best sportsboats around? There are 4 x Melges 20s available to experienced MHYC members to sail or race on Saturdays. These boats are privately owned and will be raced by their owners approx. once a month. Otherwise, contact Nicky Bethwaite (nickyb@mhyc.com.au) to organise to go for a sail.
MHYC Retains the Waitangi Cup 
All racing was cancelled on Sunday on Port Phillip Bay due to heavy forecast of 30 knots. Thanks to Patrick Delany for the photo of his "Powderhulk" crew at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Club.
Twilight Series - Safety Audits & Insurance
All yachts racing in MHYC events this season are required to have successfully completed a safety audit for the category of races they are entering and the new Australian Sailing Special Regulations have come in to force as of July 1. The MHYC Sailing Office will not accept race entries from boats that have not completed their 2017-2018 safety audit and provided evidence of current public liability insurance – these boats will not be included on start lists or eligible for results. As Twilight Racing commences on Thursday 5 October to book an audit for your yacht, email sailing.manager@mhyc.com.au or call 9969 1244 to advise the boat name, safety category and preferred day and time.
Outlaw wins Farr 40 season opener
MHYC hosted the Farr 40 Social Regatta over the weekend of 23 and 24 September 2017. Alan Quick lead the Outlaw crew to victory scoring a stunning 1.2.1 at the Farr 40 season opener. Alan was delighted to win their first regatta. “There is a lot of depth and experience within our crew and our tactician Mike Fountain did a great job for us”.
The father and son team shared the helm this weekend and Tom left his dad in a good position of first place going into the final day of racing.
Alan said, “I didn’t feel any pressure on me today to maintain Tom’s lead and last night we just talked about enjoying the boat and having fun. The thing that struck me the most about today, is that there is no difference in boat speed. Anyone can win and it’s a real team effort. We just made less mistakes than everyone else”.
PRO Phil Yeomans set the course in The Sound with the start off Old Man’s Hat and the top mark off Grotto for the first two races. As forecasted, the breeze went right and for the last race a shorter course was set with an extra lap.
Re-elected President Gordon Ketelbey nearly always wins at least one race per regatta, and inevitably backs this up with not such a great performance. When questioned about Zen’s consistency, the skipper laughed and said, “You win some, you lose some”.
The final race, a three lapper, was neck and neck between Outlaw and Double Black. The Melbourne team fought hard and came second securing second place overall, a good result for a bunch of blokes who have spent the last six months skiing. Skipper Rob Pitts was happy with this weekend’s results. “We managed some good boat speed at times in flukey conditions and the new crew members worked well. Congratulations to the Outlaw guys for an awesome first regatta“.
Sincere thanks to the ever-generous Rob and Kathy Reynolds for hosting spectators on their Riviera named “Shellbank”. The only award team Exile received this afternoon at the trophy presentation was the “PRO Award” which went to Gary Geitz (Geitzy) for snapping the MHYC burgee off the start boat…for the second time!
The next regatta and first pointscore event will be held at MHYC on 21 & 22 October 2017. By Jennie Hughes - Farr 40 Class Administrator
Take Away meals
Do you know you can order Take Away meals from the Harbourview Bistro from Wednesday-Sunday?
Beer battered chips
Spicy potato wedges, sweet chilli sauce & sour cream
Pizza (7 different toppings to choose from!)
Angus Beef Burger, american cheese, onion jam, pickles with beer battered chips
Steak sandwich on grilled sour dough with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion jam with chips
Veggie burger with zucchini, corn & feta fritter with rocket, semi dried tomatoes, Spanish onion & aioli
Southern fried chicken burger with swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato & sweet chilli mayo
Ask the Café staff for a menu or order directly upstairs in the Harbourview Bistro. Take it out on the boat or enjoy dining on the beach…
ASX Thomson Reuters Regatta
This Financial and Media Markets Charity Regatta will take place on Friday 10 November and donated boats are required urgently. 40 - 60 boats will be competing for the Cup and last year's event helped the Foundation distribute over $1.2 million to 27 benefiting charities.
In return for your support you will receive:
• Formal recognition for support on the Regatta Website and all printed literature for the event.
• Event merchandise including polo shirt, sailing cap etc. will be provided to the skipper and crew members.
• A lunch box and water will be provided for all skippers and crew.
• An invitation to the after party BBQ which includes complimentary wine and beer, a beach band, dancing, prize giving, auction and raffle.
• A ‘thank you’ bottle of whisky will be given to each owner who donates a yacht.
• An invitation to our sponsors thank you lunch held in March 2018 at The Establishment.
Full details are available on the event website http://www.asxreuterscharity.com.au/
Women's Twilight Series
This season MHYC is introducing a six race series for female skippers as part of our regular Thursday Twilight pointscore. The dates are Thursday 19 October, 16 November, 14 December, 18 January, 15 February and 15 March. There will be prizes for each race and overall. Hope to see many of our members out there steering on these dates. Entries online via the MHYC website.
All the News.....
Membership Renewals - are now overdue for the 2017/18 season and we would appreciate your prompt payment. Please call Simone on 02 9969 1244 or email membership@mhyc.com.au to discuss your options or perhaps you may not have received your renewal notice?? We trialled a new system this year with all renewal notices going out by email, and some do appear to have gone astray.
Parking reminder - MHYC members are no longer permitted to park anywhere beyond our club into the area leased by Middle Harbour Amateur Sailing Club. This area is currently being used as a construction site by Sydney Water as they renovate the old pumping station. Please respect this request, or you may risk your vehicle being towed away.
Ronstan Offer for Members - Ronstan is pleased to offer Club 20% off RRP on Ronstan Headsail Sheeting Systems during September. This can be new cars to replace the ones you have now, a completely new track system, or maybe even a self-tacking setup! Information sheet here.
Kid's Disco - Friday 20 October - bring your kids along to dance with Bop till You Drop while you enjoy dinner and a few drinks with friends. $15 per child includes a drink and a snack. Book 10 or more kids in a group and price reduces to $10 each. Great idea for a birthday party! Flyer here.
Club Race Officer Course - to be held at MHYC in October over two evenings Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 commencing 7pm full details here.
Kayaks for MHYC members - As the water and days warm up our new kayaks are a great way to get out on the water for an hour or two. Midweek or weekend these are available for $15/hour for a single. Call the club to book in advance on 9969 1244. Rental fees apply. Form here.
Function Spaces - "We had a fantastic time and I would like to thank all the staff who worked that evening. There were numerous comments from guests around how friendly and accommodating the staff were and everything ran seamlessly. I so enjoyed working with you as well and will definitely be recommending your venue to friends and family" a recent client gave us as feedback. Are you thinking about your corporate Christmas Party? As an MHYC member you receive a 50% discount on room hire of the Quarterdeck, Commodore's Room and Sand Bar. For smaller events the Member's Room and balcony might be the perfect fit. Contact Fran today on 9969 1244 or functions@mhyc.com.au
Dock Lines All dock lines must be in good condition and of appropriate strength and diameter. MHYC offers a dock line service at $4/metre and $20/splice. Contact Matt in the Marina Office marina@mhyc.com.au to book your test.
The 40th Sydney Short Ocean Racing Championships (SSORC) countdown......8 weeks to go.....keep 25 and 26 November free in your calendar for a great weekend of competitive sailing.
Cruising Division
Sharnie Connell - Cruising Division Speaker - Monday 8:00 pm 16th October at MHYC (BYO BBQ 6:30)
Sharnie Connell is working as the new marine campaigner to push for proper management of the marine estate for all water users in the form of a Sydney Marine Park. Her position is funded by two key conservation organisations the Australian Marine Conservation Society and the Nature Conservation Council NSW.
Sharnie has a background in Science majoring in Psychology, she is fascinated by animal / human behaviour and interaction and how we can engage people in the protection of the marine environment. Sharnie is passionate about the ocean and spends much of her time underwater. She is a qualified divemaster and regular long distance ocean swimmer. She also volunteers her time extensively for other environmental campaigns such as the National No Shark Cull campaign. She has a great deal of hands on experience with working directly to rehabilitate sick and injured marine life and educating others about the importance of marine protection as an animal keeper at SEALIFE Sanctuary where she works part-time. Come and find out about the Sydney Marine Park Campaign.
Volunteers Needed
Are you interested in becoming a Volunteer? Please let us know your area of interest or skill via email to membership@mhyc.com.au
- Race Management (learners welcome but sailing experience is essential) –
- Youth Sailing – assist with getting kids on and off the beach or operating a safety boat
- Club Maintenance – painting, minor repairs, etc
- Club Events – part of the meet and greet team, merchandise sales, set up, etc
Melbourne Cup @ MHYC
Online bookings are now open for this fun day at the club and get your tropical gear ready - click here to reserve your seats or table. Price includes welcome cocktail and a three course lunch with fabulous water views and all the action of fabulous Race Day on the big screen.
Sandbar Cafe - Open 7 days a week
The Sandbar Cafe is open 7 days a week from 8am. Come down to the Club & enjoy our coffee and freshly made gourmet rolls or an icecream. New on the menu are American Style Hot Dogs!
Don't forget we have takeaway beverages for sale - cases of beer, bottles of wine, and Ice!
Harbourview Bar & Bistro
The Harbourview Bar & Bistro is open on Saturdays and Sundays for a delicious breakfast from 9am. Sit on the balcony and enjoy the view - Click Here for the Breakfast Menu.
The Harbourview Bar & Bistro's Lunch & Dinner menu is available online - Click Here for the Current Menu.
The Harbourview Bar & Bistro is open Wednesday to Sunday for Lunch and Thursday to Saturday for Dinner, with daily specials. Extended hours in Summer commence 2 October. For all bookings, please call the MHYC office on 9969 1244.
Don't forget the Harbourview Bistro will be open this long weekend for Dinner on Sunday night and the Sandbar will be open on Monday.
Yacht Sales Australia
Many thanks to our sponsors for the Wednesday Series, Ivan & Jeff Rowe of Yacht Sales Australia. If you are looking to buy or sell a boat, visit their website at www.yachtsalesaustralia.com.au. Special commission discount available to MHYC Members.
