With only two weeks to go, the final preparations are being made to ensure that the first Australian University Regatta for almost ten years is a success. Commitments have been made by seven universities with an additional two finalising on their logistics.

The Regatta from the 15th to the 17th of April will bringing together university representative from around the country and signal the re-establishment of University Sailing in Australia. While the US and Europe have thriving university competition, Australians has dwindled to a small number of clubs with limited or no interaction but this is all about to change.

One of the main features of the regatta is that it will take place under a yard stick system that ensures that any boat or windsurfer can compete under varying divisions that take into account the size and type of boats or windsurfer. As a result the event has something for everyone and is the reason why the turn out to this inaugural event is expected to be so high. Queensland University of Technology are planning to bring both mono hulls and a multi hull while ANU and ADFA are planning to bring a fleet of Envys as well as some of the more traditional university classes such as Lasers, Tasars and Sharpie. From the universities that no longer have their own university clubs, the focus will be on performance in the form of; 470s, 49er’s and the alike. While the main fleet may be based around sailing dinghies, windsurfers also have their place. The UNSW windsurfing club will bring a fleet of boards to ensure there is something for everyone. The Regatta will be like no other, the versatility of the yard stick system means that the event can be inclusive of everyone.

The other most significant aspect of the event is the ‘social side’ and it does not look like it’s going to be a let down. For those coming from interstate and everyone else who just want to join in on the fun, the majority of the competitors will camp on Cockatoo Island, just west of the harbour bridge. Each day everyone will then make their way up the harbour to Woollahra Sailing Club where two races a day will take place on Rose Bay. The peak of the social aspect of the event will be on Thursday (16th) night, ‘nautical themed’ harbour cruise. The cruise will be open to both competitors and the general public with full ticket details to be released soon via the Sydney University Sailing Club website & facebook group.

As time marches on it is an important to add that a late fee applies after the 8th of April so get your entries in soon. An Australian University Regatta may have been a miss in recent years but will be no longer!

Go to www.usydsailing.com for race and entry form + join the facebook event.

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Original post by OG and software by Elliott Back

A British man on a dream sailing holiday in Thailand has been murdered by pirates who were attempting to steal his boat.

Malcolm Robertson and his wife Linda were on their yacht, the Mr Bean, which was anchored near the island of Koh Dong, when the raiders struck last night.

Mr Robertson, who is 64 and from Eastbourne, was reportedly beaten to death with hammers and his body then thrown overboard.

More…

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Original post by OG and software by Elliott Back

Ever thought about sailing in the pool?

How about sailing in the 2 kilometre long ’swimming pool’ at the San Alfonso del Mar resort in Algarrobo, Chile. The pool allows guests to not only swim but sail, dive, kayak and more.

What about match racing or team sailing in the pool! Perhaps with an even bigger pool on the way this could soon be a reality.

More info >>
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Original post by johnsee and software by Elliott Back

A

Original post by Marine Blast and software by Elliott Back

Congrats must go to forum member kokomo_44, not only has he been keeping us up to date on the etchells worlds on the forums, but today, along with Jason Muir, Paul Wyatt and Bucky Smith he became a world champion!

Race 8 of the Audi Etchells Worlds was dominated by Graeme Taylor, closely followed around the first three marks by Damien King and Jon Andrews (in that order).

Five boats were over the line early, but returned.

Jason Muir was fifth at the first mark, moving up to fourth at the second and third. John Bertrand rounded the first mark in 20th position, but gradually slipped back through the fleet.

Graeme Taylor (Magpie) was never headed and crossed the finish line ahead of a fast finishing Ian Johnson (Bananas in Pyjamas), with New Zealander Jon Andrews (Feng Shui) in third. Damien King (Barry) slipped back to cross in fourth place, followed by Jake Gunther (Dr Evil) and Mark Bulka (Critical Balance). John Bertrand (Triad) finished back in 32nd place.

Jason Muir finished in eighth place and has therefore secured the Audi Etchells Worlds title, provisionally at least. (Protest cut off time is 19:07).

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Original post by johnsee and software by Elliott Back

The 2009 Australian University Regatta will take place from the 15th to the 17th of April at Woollahra Sailing Club in Rose Bay, Sydney. The event will take place under a yards stick system which will allow all classes or boats and sail boards to compete. The event will be the first of its kind for almost 10 years and will bring together university attendees and their crews from around the country. In the past the sizes of the university fleets have been restricted to limited classes. The event format makes the regatta inclusive to all competitors no matter what class they come from. The social side of the regatta is also going to feature heavily in the event program. Holding the regatta on the beautiful Sydney harbour will ensure all competitors get the most of their University Regatta experience.

Since the first details of the event were made public, there has been a good response made by the many universities around the country. The true number of university sailing clubs in Australia is very small making publicity of the event challenging. The Sydney University Sailing Club now remains as the last university sailing club in NSW but despite this, at the regatta there will be individuals representing all the university in the Sydney area. While sailing is currently not included in the Australian inter-varsity competition, the April regatta is a sanctioned AUS event which makes it the closest thing. The inclusion of sailing in the Australian University Games is a goal for the near future.

In Europe and the US, University or College Sailing carries much prestige. In Australia, the university sailing scene over the last 20 years has gone from strength to strength. Limitations on funding and management cycles have meant that the clubs have slowly collapsed. University sailing covers a period in young peoples lives where only the most devoted sailors stick with the sport. For those with an interest in getting a taste, university sailing provides an affordable way to gain an introduction. The re-establishment of the annual university regatta will ensure that Australian university students will have something to look forward to when they enter university and will hopefully hold more sailors in the sport during the 18 to 30 age group.

Full details including Notice Of Race are available at www.usydsailing.com, further information about the Sydney University Sailing Club and its efforts to rebuild Australian University Sailing are also available at the same place.

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Original post by johnsee and software by Elliott Back

BREAKING NEWS:
A CARGO ship has lost 32 containers of explosive ammonium nitrate overboard in Moreton Bay.

The accident happened seven nautical miles off Moreton Island this morning.

It is unknown if there were any injuries.

It is understood there also was a spill onboard the vessel.

More details soon.

Moreton Bay is LSD’s backyard.

Original post by OG and software by Elliott Back

There’s never been a better time to get involved in Race Management than right now. From volunteering on a rescue boat to sitting on a protest committee in the room, there’s a number of ways to help out the sport we all love.

Coming up in Queensland is also a number of courses to help get you accredited. This is something we’ve lacked for many years in Queensland, and it’s great to see more people getting these formal qualifications in the last few years.

Check out the following courses and get involved! There’s plenty of opportunities to help out not only at your local club, but all around the country.

• Race Officer
• Measurer
• Judge
• Umpire

Original post by johnsee and software by Elliott Back

Uncle Al has updated his Racing Rules in Pictures. With probably close to 100 photos, and covering everything in the rules from the definitions to section D, it’s not only an interesting read but helpful to visualise the rules as well. He also has a few picture quizzes which are ideal for those who love a good rules problem.

Link >> (Thanks Jos)
Discuss >>

Original post by johnsee and software by Elliott Back