Thursday Snippets, 15 May

By Rod Thomas | Published: May 14, 2025

Saturday 17th May has Week 2 of the Winter Championship Series with first start at 2pm and Sign On and Information Session at 1.15 in our ASC clubrooms. The Lake water level is still down and dropped a couple of centimeters since sailing on the 10/11 May weekend. We will continue to review water level weekly and advise on any program changes on or before sailing days.

On Sunday 18th the VIODA Winter Coaching program continues 1 to 4pm. Additionally there will be a group of six ILCA4/Laser juniors in for a Winter Coaching program It was pleasing to welcome 50 junior Optimist sailors and their families from other Victorian clubs for week 1 on the 11th May. The photo  is from the briefing with the Green Fleet Optis of the less experienced Opti sailors in the background on the decking ready for launching.

The big event on the world sailing scene from 10 to 17 May is the ILCA/Laser World championships being sailed from Qingdao in China. This is the first Olympic class World Championship of the year. It has attracted 237 of the world’s best sailors from 40 nations, with 12 Australian men in the ILCA7’s and 8 Australian women in the ILCA6’s. Albert Sailing Club has a connection with Riley Cantwell having sailed a number of Winter Season at Albert in Optimists and Lasers, and Victorian ILCA6 champion Casey Imeneo at least two of our annual regattas. For the first 3 days they had fog, current, barely a breath of wind, and no racing !

Rod Thomas
for committee and members of Albert Sailing Club

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Thursday Snippets, 8 May

By Rod Thomas | Published: May 7, 2025

Saturday 10th May has Week 1 of the Winter Handicap Series with first starts at 2pm and Information Session at 1.15 at APYC. Our Annual General Meeting for members is in our clubrooms at 5pm, preceded by presentation of Perpetual Trophies for 2024/25 at 4.45. All documentation for the AGM is on The Club tab of www.albertsc.org.au including Notice of Meeting, Commodore and Treasurer reports, and committee nomination forms. There will be a light informal meal after the AGM.

The VIODA Winter Coaching program for the junior Optimist Optimist class is being hosted by Albert Sailing Club on sunday afternoons starts at 1pm on sunday 11th May. We welcome 45 juniors, their boats, and families for sessions on and off the water.

The Lake water level is still down and similar to level for club races in April. We will continue to monitor water level and advise on any program changes on or before sailing days.

This week photo is of the Salter family. dad and son, sailing their Mirror Maglia Rosa in their first club race in late April. Their is a short video clip of this on Albert Sailing Club You Tube.

Upcoming
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Albert Sailing Club’s ‘Top of the Lake’ Regatta for dinghy sailing classes is scheduled for the weekend of 21/22 June, subject to the Lake Water level. The Notice of Race will be out early June. There is an early request for volunteers to assist one or both days of the Regatta. If you can do one or both days send an email to Cindy via admin@albertsc.org.au

In other news. The State MP for Albert Park Nina Taylor recently visited the Albert Park Yacht Club and the Sailing Precinct. A post on her Facebook on 6 May refers to The Albert Sailing Club is a great community based club which provides facilities and support throughout the year for members to sail dinghy class boats on Albert Park Lake. The attached photos are of Nina and Graeme Cox, the APYC Commodore, in the APYC clubrooms. Our ASC Flag Officers have previously met with Nina. The compliments in this post are equally valid for Albert Sailing Club, even though likely to have been intended to be about APYC.

regards
Rod Thomas
for committee and members
Albert Sailing Club

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Thursday Snippets, 1 May

By Rod Thomas | Published: April 30, 2025

The annual Winter Season commences on saturday 3rd May. Information session at 1.15 in front of APYC, with starts from 2pm. The water level is still down and similar to level for club races in April. We will continue to monitor water level weekly and advise on ‘state of play’.

Upcoming
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Another big VIODA junior Optimist class Winter Coaching program and a Laser 4.7 group from Albert Sailing Club on sunday afternoons from 11th May. The VIODA May/June Block 1 program is Sold Out with over 40 registrations, There is a Wait List with contact for this on https://www.facebook.com/optimistvic/
All subject to sufficient Lake water level, with updates late in the week in Snippets and on Facebook

The Annual General Meeting is in our clubrooms at 5pm on saturday 10th May, preceded by Presentations for ASC’s annual Perpetual trophies for 2024/25. AGM documentation including Agenda and Committee Nomination Form is under “The Club” tab on www.albertsc.com.au Committee nominations to be received by 3 May, and published on 5 May. Speak to a club Flag Officer or current committee member if you need more information. There will be an informal meal at no cost to members after the AGM. Let Cindy know via admin@albertsc.org.au or list on Doug’s Bar if you intend to attend.

For the 2025 Federal Elections Candidate Statements regarding the Albert Park Reserve from the local MacNamara Candidates  has been posted on  https://www.facebook.com/groups/albertparksportsclubs/

Rod Thomas
for club committee and members

Further Details on www.albertsc.org.au

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Thursday Snippets, 24 April

By Rod Thomas | Published: April 23, 2025

The water level in Albert Park Lake is still down and just enough for a club Trophy Race on saturday 26th. Similar to water level for last club race in early April. Information Session at 1.15 in Albert Sailing Club clubrooms for 2pm start. We will continue to monitor water level weekly and advise on ‘state of play’. Hoping that prediction of some rain later in the week comes to pass.
There will be a club Working Bee from 9.30am on saturday 26th. Focus will be on our boatyard and clubrooms. Also one or two people in wetsuits to volunteer to assist some actions on the Lake edge.

Upcoming
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Winter Sailing Season from saturday 3rd May
Another big VIODA junior Optimist class Winter Coaching program and a Laser 4.7 group from Albert Sailing Club on sundays from 11th May.
All subject to sufficient Lake water level, with updates late in the week in Snippets and on Facebook 

Annual General Meeting in our clubrooms at 5pm on saturday 10th May. All members should have received a Notice of AGM email on 14 April to their address as per the club membership database.  AGM documentation including Agenda and Nomination Form for 2025/26 Annual General Meeting is under “The Club” tab on www.albertsc.org.au. Consider nominating for committee or another role, with committee nomination needed by 3 May. Speak to a club Flag Officer or current committee member if you need more information. There will be an informal meal at no cost to members after the AGM. Let Cindy via admin@albertsc.org.au know if intend to attend the after AGM meal.

This week’s photo is of ASC junior member  Hamish Gilsenan sailing BIG waves off Sydney Harbour’s South Head on Easter Friday He was with a group of 5 other Laser sailors, and a coach boat. Hamish’s plan is to go to Europe mid year and sail Laser full rig in World and European ILCA Youth championships and hopefully a few other regattas, subject to funding and University considerations. 

Rod Thomas
for Albert Sailing Club committee and members

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Thursday Snippets, 3 April

By Rod Thomas | Published: April 2, 2025

Club Sailing Day on saturday 5th April. Club open from 9.30am.
Informal Race and Casual Sailing morning. For morning sailing sail own boat or hire/use club training boat, with club boat allocations 9.30 to 10am. A good option for newer and Green Fleet menbers.
Information Session in ASC clubrooms at 10.10 for 11am Start for Informal Race. Last Summer Championship Series Race at 2.30, with ASC the host club.

The Lake water level is again down and will continue to be checked weekly. We are hoping for some rains in coming days.

At an international level the Trofeo Princesa Sofía Regatta on the Mediterane from Mallorca Spain is in progress until sunday 5th April. This is the first of five Sailing Grand Slam events for Olympic-class sailors this year. There are 700 crews from 53 countries competing across the ten Olympic classes. Australia is represented by 55 sailors across nine disciplines, from Olympians to Sailing Pathway sailors. Anna and Philip Cripsey are sailing in the IQ Foil Women’s and Men’s event. They started their sailing careers as juniors at Albert Sailing Club members sailing Optimists at Albert Park Lake before moving on to double handed 420’s and now the folining IQ Foils. Follow the Regatta progress on https://www.facebook.com/AusSailingTeam/

Upcoming Regattas (with at least one ASC representative expected to be entered at each)
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12-13 April Australian Sailing’s annual Victorian Youth Sail Regatta preceded by optional Coaching Clinic 10 & 11 April. For junior and youth classes. Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club.

18 – 21 April Lake Boga Easter Regatta https://lake-boga-yacht-club-inc.square.site/ A mixed classes regatta including for Impulses, and Sabres. Camping onsite.

18 -21 Lake Bullen Merri Easter Regatta. Camping onsite at the lake. See the Yachting Western Victoria Facebook page for further information, https://www.trybooking.com/CZIQJ to book.

3 – 4 May Sail Bellarine Indented Head Yacht Club. A well organised and relaxed regatta For most adult and junior classes sailed at ASC, Camp ground next to the Club.

3-4 May Yarrawonga Yacht Club ANZAC Regatta 2025 incorporating Hartley TS16 Victorian State Championship. Foreshore camping from 2nd to 5th.

Rod Thomas
for Albert Sailing Club committee and members

Photo : Foiling Anna Cripsey on Port Phillip

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Thursday Snippets, 27 March

By Rod Thomas | Published: March 27, 2025

Club Sailing Day on saturday 29th. Club open from 10am, with ASC Members meeting in clubrooms at 11. Summer championship Race at 2.30, with Information Session at 1.45 and Sign On at APYC.
The Maurie Plant International Athletics event is on at the State Athletics Stadium behind our club startin at 5.30pm. Competitors and Spectators would be expected to arrive late afternoon, and should not effect parking in Aquatic Drive till mid to late afternoon.

Saturday 5th April club sailing day with Informal Race and Casual Sailing session in the morning and Summer Series Race in the afternoon.

The Lake water level is still less than optimal and we continue to look to the skies for rain and weekly review the Lake for suitability for sailing.

The Victorian Mirror Championships were sailed on the 22/23 March weekend at Mount Martha Yacht. While we had no current ASC members sailing this year, the Heale family who sailed wih us in our 2024 winter season were prominent. Raf Heale with a ‘rookie’ crew finsihed third, and his son Miwala crewed on the winning boat. Also of interest, Chris and George Gregory finished 10th overall and 2nd of 4 traditional Gunter rig boats in Mirror 30594, the ex- Lucy Matthews boat sailed successfully by Lucy and Fleur at ASC and elsewhere in the 1980’s. The Victorian titles were contested by 14 boats, with 10 from Victorian clubs, 1 from South Australia and 3 from NSW. The MCAV is considering sailing the 2025 Vic titles on Albert Park Lake, a venue which has been used a couple of times in the past.

Rod Thomas
for Albert Sailing Club committee and members

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Thursday Snippets, 20 March

By Rod Thomas | Published: March 19, 2025

Saturday 22 March. Club sailing day at Albert Sailing Club with Summer Series Race at 2.30 and club open from 10.30. Access to Aquatic Drive behind the club is via the Steel Gates entrance of Albert Road. The Lake water level is ‘sub-optimal’ requiring partially raised centreboards, and is at a similar level to that on the last club sailing day on 8 March. Club sailing committee representatives will continue to monitor suitability for club racing and we all look forward to rain and water in flows to bring the level up.

Saturday 29 March there is a club race at 2.30, with an important members meeting in our clubrooms from 11 to 12.30. The committee is looking for member feedback and involvement. An email from the ASC Commodore on the meeting context has been forwarded from AlbertSailingClub@wildapricot.org to club members in the past two weeks, If you are a member and have not seen it check your email junk folders. If you cannot find it, email commodore@albertsc.org,au requesting a copy.

Our club financial year ends on 31 March, Any current Member Reimbursement claims and Invoices requiring payment should be submitted to treasurer@albertsc.org.au by the 29th.

Upcoming Club and Class Regattas
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Victorian Mirror Class State Championships 22 & 23 March. Mount Martha Yacht Club.

Australian Sailing’s annual Victorian Youth Sail Regatta 12 & 13 April preceded by optional Coaching Clinic 10 & 11 April. For junior and youth classes. Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club.

Sail Bellarine 3 & 4 May Indented Head Yacht Club. A well organised and relaxed regatta For most adult and junior classes sailed at ASC, Camp ground next to the Club.

Rod Thomas
for ASC committee and members

Photo : School group having fun in Ozi Optis from the Boatshed on tuesday 18 March, two days after the soggy F1 Grand Prix event.
The Albert Park Boatshed has junior Tackers and adult Start Sailing programs in April.

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Thursday Snippets, 27 February

By Rod Thomas | Published: February 26, 2025

Club Sailing Day on saturday 1st March. Club open from 9.30am.
Informal Race and Casual Sailing morning. Morning sailing sail own boat or hire/use club training boat, with boat allocations 9.30 to 10am. Information Session in ASC clubrooms at 10.15 for 11am Start for Informal Race.
Summer Handicap Race at 2.30, with APYC the host club.
Finally a weekend forecast with light to moderate Southerly winds.

Next club sailing day then programmed for 22 March, with long weekend and F1 Grand Prix first two weekends of March.
No access to Club and Park from evening of 10 March to 17 March due to F1 Grand Prix week.

Hoping for some rain in March, as water level continues in Lake continues to drop with hot days and no rainfall.

Upcoming – Busy month of March for Class State Champs.
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1-2 March RS Aero titles at Blairgowrie YS. Go Ron

8 – 10 March
Impulse State Titles at Altona YC. Go ASC and APYC Impulses.
Pacer State Titles at Port Melbourne Yacht Club
Optimist State Titles at Sorrento SCBC
Marlay Point Trailer Sailer Overnight Race, Gippsland Lakes.

22-23 March Mirror State Tirles at Mt Martha Yacht Club

10- 11 April Youth Sail Victoria Coaching Camp, followed by Champs Regatta 12 – 13 April

Sail or visit one of these to get the vibe of fleet sailing and the friendly sailing community.

Next Snippets mid March

Rod Thomas
for ASC committee and members.

Photo : Lasers returning to shore Australian ILCA (Laser) Masters Championships at Westernport Yacht Club on 22 February.

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Thursday Snippets, 20 February

By Rod Thomas | Published: February 19, 2025

Club Sailing Day on saturday 22nd. Club open from 10am. Summer championship at 2.30, with ASC the host club. There is also Social Sailing from APYC on sunday, with a few Mirrors from Mirror Association planning to visit. Check weekend forecasts as some windier weather is being predicted on the weekend – again !

Saturday 1st March club sailing day with Informal Race and Casual Sailing session in the morning and Summer Series Race in the afternoon.

Upcoming
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21 – 24 February Australian ILCA (Laser) Masters Championships at Westernport Yacht Club. No ASC Lasers this year, but Cindy Tilbrook from ASC is one of the on water Race Officers.

8 – 9 March Labour Day weekend. Impulse State Titles at Altona YC.
Marley Point Trailer Sailer Overnight Race, Gippsland Lakes.
No programmed sailing on Albert Park Lake, with Lake and Park closed for a week late on Monday 10th for a week for F1 Grand Prix.

This Week’s News Special
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Our regular ASC Optimist sailor Kengo has built a Lego NZ America’s Cup boat.
His parents Mai and Shinsuke report :
Kengo was given the Lego set as his birthday gift. He built and completed by himself.

Kengo enjoyed building it so much. Especially, he loves the keel system controlled by a pneumatic system and double-filmed main sail with a rotating mast. It even comes with jib and main sheets to trim the sails.

This opened up Kengo’s strong interest in America’s cup. He started reading books about the rich history of America’s cup.
His favourite class is AC75. And his favourite boat is Australia II.

Well done Kengo ! Well assembled and a great effort.

Rod Thomas
for ASC committee and members

   

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Thursday Snippets, 13 February

By Rod Thomas | Published: February 13, 2025

Albert Sailing Club open from 10.30 on saturday 15 March, Summer Series race at 2.30, with Sign on at APYC and Info Session APYCclubrooms at 1.45. Check the forecast in advance as early forecasts are for winds on the strong side.

From 13 to 16 February ASC members Jaemie Wilson and David Scammell are sailing in a fleet of around 20 in the Australian Fireball classs championships at Twofold Bay Yacht Club, near Eden, Sail well and enjoy Jaemie and David.

In other News
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Past Commodores at AWBF 2025
Past ASC commodores Robert Caulfield and Peter Wright metup in Hobart in February at Australia’s largest classic wooden boat festival the be-ennial Australian Wooden Boat Festival. Both were instrumental in the negotiations, development and fitting out of the ASC club rooms in the 1990’s and ASC winning Victorian club of the year and members winning many titles. Both sailed mirror dinghies with family members on the lake, with Peter moving on to sail a Laser and Rob an Impulse. Peter built his first Mirror in a first floor flat in St Kilda 50 years ago. That mirror was Tobermory which the family sailed on the lake for many years. Tobermory was recently passed on by Peter to the Tasmania Heritage Boat Society and was on display at AWBF 2025. Peter now lives in Hobart, is a member of Montrose Bay Yacht Club, and sails a wooden sabre and his Explorer 16 trailer sailer. Robert is still a member of ASC as well as Sorrento Sailing Couta Boat Club, Port Douglas Yacht Club and is a regular at Safety Beach, crewing on a Bavaria 45. Robert has recently sailed as part of winning teams in the Couta Boat club and state championships and the Keel boat club championships at Safety Beach.  

ASC has recenty taken posession of a well credentialled ex- Selina Chapman wooden Mirror ‘Virgo’ The boat is for sale. If interested contact Rod via training@albertsc.org.au.

Parks Victoria has updated there have been several instances of bird deaths and sick birds at Albert Park due to avian botulism which is a common disease with outbreaks found in wild birds. Signage has been placed around the Lake, to advise park users and reporting information.
Also seeing more instances of dead fish in the Lake which may or may not be related. The advice is if come across dead fish to report to Parks Victoria office Albert Park Office on 8427 2010. and not take action to remove yourself.

 

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