E-News 21st December, 2018
A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM COMMODORE PETER LEWIS
Merry Christmas to all!
On behalf of the Board and Flag Officers I would like to send a very merry Christmas to all staff, members and associates of Middle Harbour Yacht Club.
It has been a very exciting year at the club including member Martin Hill winning a world championship, some splendid inter club results and cruising experiences to be savoured. The staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly on entertainment, food and beverage, on water/off water activities, in the clubhouse and on the Marina to make our club vibrant, profitable and a place that members can enjoy.
Thank you so much to all of you! Without you, our club would not survive. We have some brave new plans for next year including the MHYC Foundation launch in 2019 which will be the vehicle for building a bright future for the club from juniors to seniors. We have plans to raise money for some much needed renewal at the club for our 80th year celebration. We wish to celebrate both our past and our future. A new committee is being formed to explore the opportunities for future growth and expansion.
So 2019 and beyond look very exciting. In the meantime good luck to those heading to Hobart - both racers and cruisers. To everyone and your families enjoy Christmas and the New Year.
Be safe and happy Sailing!
Peter Lewis
Commodore
YACHT SALES AUSTRALIA WEDNESDAY SERIES
Wednesday racing 19 December 2018
Patchy and lighter than forecast breezes created some race management headaches for the Yacht Sales Australia Wednesday Pursuit race this week. While Division 2 headed directly for Clarke Island in a light south easterly, the Division 1 boats were stalled at Cannae Point without a breath. A shorten course was provided for the Division 1 boats at Point Piper but the Division 2 fleet had to endure a slow trip back to the clubhouse finish line. Only five boats in each division completed the course within the time limit. Winners were Nine Dragons (Bob Cox) and Farr ‘n Away (David Lee).
To view the latest results - https://www.mhyc.com.au/files/results/2018/club/weds2/03RGrp51.htm
THURSDAY TWILIGHT SERIES
Thursday Twilight racing 13 December 2018
Another lively Twilight race for the second last race of the series before Christmas in a 20 knot nor nor easterly wind. Forty One boats headed down the harbour on Course 4. In Division 1 first boat home was Scott Beach on Zenith, followed by Eleni TSA Management (Tony Levett) in second and Llama II (Jon Linton ) third.
In Division 2 it was Galan (Mike Gallagher) getting the gun, followed by Moonshadow V (Lloyd Bennet) and Mortgage Choice Rumba (Rob Carr). David Lavings on Bula claimed the Division 3 win from Freedom (Stephen Smith) and Plan B (Warren Lesnie), while Single Malt (Peter Gilliland) beat Bluebottle ( David and Ben Field) over the line in the diminished Division 4.
Thursday Twilight racing 20 December 2018
The forecast was not good for Thursday afternoon’s Twilight Pursuit, but the radar showed a break in the storm activity as start time approached. As the first boats headed out toward the Sound, a major storm cell formed west of the club. Racing was abandoned five minutes after the start signal just before the arrival of strong winds and hail. Skippers are reminded to always monitor the race management channel VHF 72 for safety and race information. Despite another race cancellation (three of the last five races have been abandoned due to poor weather), the festive Christmas spirit made for a fun evening in the Harbour View room. In all the excitement, the Pre-Christmas Series Presentations were overlooked, so these will now be held on January 3. Series winners were Div 1 – Kayimai (Rob Aldis), Div 2 – Sirius (Garth Riley), Div 3 – Bula (David Lavings) and Div 4 – Bluebottle (David & Ben Field).
Results are at https://www.mhyc.com.au/files/results/2018/club/twlpre/series.htm
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SATURDAY SERIES RESULTS
The weather held off just in time for the completion of the Christmas Cup before the skies opened up to a short deluge of rain. Jack Stening and his team on Stormaway won Division One closely followed by the 2 Adams 10’s No Friends 9 Geoff Charters) and Sirius (Garth Riley) in 2nd and 3rd place respectively.
In Division 2 Tempo ( Michael Smith ) was streets ahead taking 1st place followed by Plan B (Warren Lesnie) in 2nd place and Freedom ( Stephen Smith) 3rd.
John McGrory and his team on Forty Team took the glory in winning the Veteran’s Cup, for yachts over years old, and well as the Old Farts Dogs Bowl Trophy, for skippers and yachts with a combined age of 90+. Quite an achievement!
"GIRL FRIENDS WINS MYC CHRISTMAS RACE"
The all-female crew of the aptly renamed "Girl Friends" AKA "No Friends" are making new friends over a Manly Yacht Club winning the MYC Christmas race last Sunday. Well Done!!
KAYIMAI BREAST CANCER FUNDRAISER
The 2018/2019 season of MHYC's Twilight Series see's Rob Aldis' boat, Kayimai, with an all female crew. This inspiring group of women have decided to take up the challenge of raising $10,000 before the last twilight of the season to donate to the McGrath Foundation, while raising awareness and interest in women in sailing.
Partnered with Rob and MHYC, reusable coffee cups have been donated and will be sold down at the club for $20 each. When you purchase a cup, MHYC will happily fill it with any hot drink of your choice upon purchase.
You can find more information about the ladies cause and keep up to date with the fundraising here - MCGRATH FOUNDATION
AUSTRALIA DAY AT MHYC
MHYC MEMBER ENGAGEMENT SURVEY
MHYC is looking at ways to better engage and communicate with you, our valued members. We’re currently evaluating different solutions and technologies, and would like to hear your thoughts on what’s currently working, and what isn’t.
If you would like to contribute please complete this short survey which will be open until 31 December. If you have any further questions or comments regarding the survey please email info@mhyc.com.au.
You can find the survey here - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JNC39GH
CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR OPENING HOURS
Kayaks for Hire
A great way to get out on the water and stay fit or spend some time with the kids.
Midweek or weekend, these are available for $15/hour for a single - $20/hour for a double.
Call the club to book in advance on 9969 1244. Rental fees apply. Form here.
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, fresh muffins, slices or try one of Brett's homemade icecreams. Don't forget we have takeaway beverages for sale - cases of beer, bottles of wine, and bags of ice.
Pelican Pete loves of $10 coffee and cake deal
Harbourview Bar & Bistro
The Harbourview Bar & Bistro has new opening hours coming into the summer season.
For all bookings, please call the MHYC office on 9969 1244.
