Albert Sailing Club News |

Thursday Snippets, 26 November

By Rod Thomas | Published: November 25, 2020

Club sailing day on Saturday 28th November with week 2 of the 3 week annual Bill Hooper series from 2.30. Also week 2 of the Boatshed- ASC junior and youth development programs in the afternoon. Club facilities will be open from 10.30 including the upstairs clubrooms and decking for the first time since lockdown. Also Australian Sailing advise that sailing of double handed boats by people from different households is now allowed. When visiting the club sign in in the club foyer and observe club COVID19 related guidelines on www.albertsc.org.au and signs including permitted numbers of people in club facilities.

News this week of the passing of one of our fondly remembered life members Doug Hunter on Monday 23rd November at the age of 91after a short illness. Doug and his son Gary joined the club in the late 1970’s. Doug sailed a Sabre for a year or so, then took on a number of significant club roles including boat racking officer and for around 30 years operated the clubhouse bar after sailing each saturday. After Doug’s retirement as club steward the bar was aptly named ‘Doug’s Bar’. Gary has advised that as there are some family members in Queensland they have elected not to hold a formal funeral at this time but instead hold some form of gathering in the new year. Our fond memories and sympathies are being conveyed to the Hunter family.

Upcoming
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Saturday 5 December. Club working bee from 9.30, with morning tea from around 11, and the final week of the Bill Hooper series from 2.30. The clubrooms , boatyard, club boats and equipment need a spring clean after the protracted lockdown since March.

Saturday 12 December will be an End of Year Club Picnic Day. Members and visitors are encouraged to socialise over lunch in the clubrooms, on our decking or in front of the club with a BYO picnic. Have a sail or watch the sailing in the morning and/or afternoon, with a Life Members club race from 2.30. After sailing there will be a BBQ on the club decking and drinks available from the bar.

PHOTO attached is from the Victorian Laser Association training day for youth at ASC on Sunday 22nd November. Photo of Hamish, Orlando, Jensen and the ‘Retro youth’ Rod. Another full day of VLA training at the Lake on Sunday 29th.

Rod Thomas
for ASC committee

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Thursday Snippets, 19 November

By Rod Thomas | Published: November 19, 2020

The 3 week annual Bill Hooper series, will be sailed on saturdays 21st, 28th November and 5th. December, with starts at 2.30 each day. This series is named after Bill Hooper our first ASC Commodore back in 1948, and has a Birthday Series shield trophy which dates back to the 1950’s. ASC members, APYC members and visitors encouraged to sail in series races or casually on these days. Downstairs club facilities and boatyard open from 10.30 to 4,30 with gatherings of up to a maximum of 10 people applying in all areas. Race Officer will be Cindy Tilbrook, with Rod and Kelly Caddaye in a RIB, and Lesley Scott for entries and Tower – thanks to them for providing the setup to allow us to go sailing.

We also welcome a number of junior and youth programs commencing on the weekend. On saturday afternoon there are Boatshed/ASC Junior development (Green fleet) in Ozi Optis and Optimists and Youth development programs (13 – 17 year olds) in Pacers from the Boatshed with details on the Course tab of https://www.theboatshed.net.au/home/. On sunday there is week 1 of a 2 week Victorian Laser Association training program for youth Laser 4.7and Radial sailors across the day.

The weekend forecast for the weekend is looking promising for afternoon sailing with 5 – 10 knot sea breeze and 26 degrees both days.
There was ideal sailing conditions on wednesday this week. It was good to see a number of members and a couple of visitors out enjoying a relaxed sail across the afernoon. Photo is of Anne K out on the Lake in her Sabre.

A reminder to club members and visitors, whether sailing or not, to read and follow current ASC COVID19 Safe Plan guidelines detailed on https://albertsc.org.au/…/about-1/covid19-asc-guidelines We look forward to further announcements on easing of COVID19 restrictions for Victoria on sunday.

Rod Thomas
for ASC committee

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Thursday Snippets, 12 November

By Rod Thomas | Published: November 12, 2020

Albert Sailing Club will be open 10.30 to 4.30pm on Saturday 14th November. Finally, Victoria is united again and people can move between Melbourne and Regional Victoria, allowing our club members and visitors living outside Melbourne can visit and sail with us again. There will be another non-series short course race at 2.30pm on saturday. Rigging of boats and gatherings up to a maximum of 10 people. Sign on, course and division details for ther race on ASC noticeboard in front of club entrance doors or in foyer. Alternatively you can have a relaxing social sail on the Lake at a time that suits.

Downstairs including boatyard, toilets and changerooms (not showers) will be open. We await on advice from Australian Sailing as to whether Government directions allow upstairs clubrooms to be opened, and applicable restrictions.

Members and visitors, whether sailing or not, are asked to read and follow current ASC COVID19 Safe Plan guidelines detailed on https://albertsc.org.au/…/about-1/covid19-asc-guidelines

Junior programs
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The junior sailing programs on Albert Park Lake for the weeks leading up to mid December have been mapped out this week. The Boatshed at the State Sailing Centre next to Albert Sailing Club has details on https://www.theboatshed.net.au/home/ The Boatshed has a Tackers Learn to Sail program on sunday afternoons for juniors 8 – 12 years commencing on sunday 15th November. There is to be a joint Boatshed/Albert Sailing Club Junior Development (Green Fleet) program for juniors 9 – 12 years who have completed Tackers programs on saturday afternoons from 21 November. Also Senior Development group program for 13 – 17 year olds from 21 November. Details should be on the Course tab of https://www.theboatshed.net.au/home/ in the next couple of days.

Clickbait Filming Notification
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Parks Victoria have advised that Clickbait film production company will be utilising a number of parking bays in Aquatic Drive behind Australian Sailing Boatshed for equipment vehicles on weekend of 13/14 November 2020. There still should be sufficient parking spaces for Albert Sailing Club members and visitors behind Albert Sailing Club. If not suggest park in Albert Park Drive at back of picnic area or Albert Road.

Rod Thomas
for ASC committee

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Thursday Snippets, 5 November

By Rod Thomas | Published: November 5, 2020

Albert Sailing Club will be open 10.30 to 4.30pm on Saturday 7th November. There will be a non-series short course race at 2pm with course and division details and registration on ASC noticeboard in front of club entrance doors or in foyer by 1.30. Again a visit to the club and/or a sail is possible for people who live or work within 25 kilometres of Albert Park Lake. Downstairs including boatyard, toilets and changerooms (not showers) open. Upstairs clubrooms still have to remain closed. Hopefully the distance from the club restrictions are removed, upstairs clubrooms can open within limits, and more regular club sailing resume after the weekend.

Members and visitors, whether sailing or not, are asked to read and follow current ASC COVID19 Safe Plan guidelines detailed on https://albertsc.org.au/…/about-1/covid19-asc-guidelines

A program of sailing activites at ASC up to the end of the year is work in progress. Boatshed/ASC/APYC ‘Green fleet’ type programs on saturday afternoons for juniors 9 years+ and youth 13 years+ are close to finalisation. TheVictorian Laser Association has a program for junior 4.7 and Radial sailors on sundays 22nd and 29th November with details on the VLA website. Details of these and other ASC programs and activities should be out next week.

Clickbait Filming Notification – Saturday 7th & 14th November
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Parks Victoria have advised that Clickbait film production company will be utilising 2 sets of parking bays behind Australian Sailing Boatshed for equipment vehicles on weekends of 6/7 and 13/14 November 2020. There still should be sufficient parking spaces for Albert Sailing Club members and visitors behind Albert Sailing Club. If not suggest park in Albert Park Drive at back of picnic area or Albert Road.

ASC’s next general committee meeting
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is on Wednesday 11th November. Program of activities for the remainder of 2020 will be one of the key agenda items.
We now have a new editor for the club’s next Mudpuddler due out at the end of November. – thanks for volunteering Maddy. Consider what boating or related article, photo or whatever you can contribute and send to commodore@albertsc.org.au.

Car Parking restrictions, fees and permits
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With the lift in Stage 4 restrictions by the Victorian Government the parking machines have been turned on from Monday 2nd November where car parking restrictions and fees at Albert Park Reserve apply. If you have parked in a pay-for-parking area, you purchase a ticket from a ticket machine or have an annual permit, with either displayed on your dashboard or windscreen to avoid a fine.

Sports Club member Parking permits are also now being processed. Annual fee for 20/21 is $68.70, with 6 months and concessional permits available (approx. 1/2)
Junior Sports club parking permits also available at $17 for parents of junior members when junior member attending a club activity.

If you need an application form for renewal or new application it needs to have an Albert Sailing Club stamp on it. Members can pickup a copy from the table at top of ASC stairs or send an email request to training@albertsc.org.au and I will send back a scanned stamped copy. Post or send scanned copy of completed parking permit application to Parks Victoria as per details on application form.

See you at ASC soon
Rod Thomas
For ASC committee

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Thursday Snippets, 29 October

By Rod Thomas | Published: October 29, 2020

Sailing has resumed at Albert Sailing Club, for the next couple of weeks only for people who live or work within 25 kilometres of Albert Park Lake. On the weekend the clubrooms will be open on Saturday 31st from around 10.15am until 4.30. No specific sailing activities programmed, but there may be a scratch race at around 2.15/2.30 depending on weather conditions and interest level. Clarification is being sought from Australian Sailing on opening of upstairs clubrooms as there is ambiguity in current guidance. Until clarified the upstairs clubrooms and decking will remained closed for use by club members and their visitors. In the interim we will look to provide some seating in the boatyard and outdoors area in front of the club or bring your own outdoor chair.

In re-opening the health and safety of our club members is a priority. Members and visitors, whether sailing or not, are asked to read and follow the current Albert Sailing Club COVID19 Safe Plan guidelines detailed on
https://albertsc.org.au/index.php/about-1/covid19-asc-guidelines

A number of club members in their single handed boats and a visiting Laser Radial junior had a sail on Albert Park Lake in near perfect conditions on wednesday afternoon. In the latter part of the afternoon a couple of Mirrors were out with two families enjoying their first sail since early March. Photo of Silke Shwartz and her daughter before heading out is attached. Ongoing we expect more informal wednesday afternoon sailing provided the weather is suitable with no current wind warnings.

The announcements from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews on Monday 26th October provided for resumption of non contact sports, including sailing for adults and juniors, within a framework of restrictions. Further details on what this means for sailing clubs come to us via Australian Sailing, with weekly and sometimes more often updates incorporated into our ASC COVID Safe Plan guidelines.

Specific plans and programs for resumption of ASC club racing, training and social activities are currently under consideration by club committee members and key activity coordinators. If you could assist in one of these areas contact Cindy through commodore@albertsc.org.au or Rod (Vice Commodore) or Steve (Rear Commodore for sailing). Program etails will be progressively placed on our club website in the next 2 or 3 weeks, with updates through our weekly Thursday Snippets Facebook posts and emails.

Rod Thomas
for ASC committee

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Thursday Snippets, 22 October

By Rod Thomas | Published: October 22, 2020

Hi Everyone Hope you are taking advantage of the move in Melbourne Metre to 25 kilometre range for exercise and travel without restriction on period away. Sailing is now a permitted activity within a defined set of restrictions as per https://www.sailingresources.org.au/covid-19/vic/ . No organised club activity as yet, but looking likely for an early to mid November resumption, with announcements on easing of restrictions for community sport, hopefully starting in next week, if not the week after.

We had a few people down to checkout Albert Park Lake and the ASC area on wednesday afternoon, with a few out for a sail. The photo enclosed is of Orlando from Royal Brighton who sailed on wednesday, with the Lake the only stretch of water he could sail on within 25 k’s from home. A few people have indicated they are likely to come down on the long weekend. The weather forecast suggests Friday will be the best of the days, with a cold front due through on saturday morning. If the weather is looking good, it is likely there will also be some down next wednesday afternoon.

In accordance with Government regulations the ASC clubrooms are still closed, however, toilets can be used if you have a pass to access the clubrooms. The ASC COVID19 guidelines for members and visitors on our club website www.albertsc.org.au are being updated weekly and should be looked at if you are coming down. Also be aware that the Parks Victoria parking inspectors are in operation, so if coming by car you need a current annual or daily parking permit. If your annual permit has expired the safest approach is to purchase a daily ticket. In the next two weeks we aim to provide an update in Thursday Snippets on how best to renew or apply for a new pass.

There will be an ASC Virtual Drinks and Chat session on saturday 22nd from 4 to 5.15 pm on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83794843459. All ASC members and contacts welcome.

In Other News
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The Australian Sailing annual Awards are being announced online this week on https://www.facebook.com/AustSail/ Congatulations to Royal Gellong Yacht Club as being awarded Australian Yacht Club of the year in recognition of their huge program of events over the 2019/20 summer including Australian and World Championships. Also well done to the other Victorian finalists, and those declared as winners in a number of the categories.

Rod Thomas

for ASC committee

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Thursday Snippets, 15 October

By Rod Thomas | Published: October 14, 2020

On saturday 17th there is another of our weekly online ASC Drinks and Chat at Doug’s ASC Virtual Bar from 4pm to 5.30. Join us via
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88697975641

The ASC bathtub Boat Building competition has closed and online judging by club Members and Contacts is open until Sunday 18th October. There are 9 entries in ASC family, ASC individual member and Contact categories. The boat builders have taken a variety of approaches and produced an interesting collection of boats of different materials and construction.
A Bathtup Boat Building post with photos of the 9 entries have been placed on https://www.facebook.com/AlbertSailing/
To view them click on the link or enter the https address in your web browser.
Vote on your favourite by sending photo number and boat name of your favourite for each of the 3 categories to Rod via training@albertsc.org.au by the end of Sunday 18th October.

In Other News
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There was plenty of good discussion at the club’s monthly committee meeting on Monday 12th including on :
* Correspondence from Parks Victoria Albert Park (PV) advising that due to legal issues PV will initiate a refund process to all known parties who appealed a parking infringement prior to 13 March 2019, had their appeal rejected and subsequently paid the infringement. PV will go through their records and notify those entitled to a refund.
PV has also sought input on the next trimming of aquatic weed in the Lake scheduled for November.
* Ideas for a couple of grants recently opened, including PV’s annual Albert Park Reserve grants, were discussed. Applications are being prepared for funding a sail training program and some new training boats.
* A sailing committee meeting is being convened by our Rear Commodore Steve Dunn to discuss sailing activity and duty rosters for the remainder of 2020, assuming restrictions ease soon to allow some club sailing activity in Melbourne Metro.
* An updated COVID19 Safe Plan for Albert Sailing Club was tabled by Rod Thomas and endorsed by the committee. As we return to the club we will need to take personal and collective responsibility for ensuring we all keep safe and comply with Government regulations when at ASC. A copy of the plan and current ASC guidelines are being placed on www.albertsc.org.au
* We aim to produce an ASC Mudpuddler newsletter in mid to late November. Articles, photos and items of interest should be sent to training@albertsc.org.au. We need someone to assist with editing of Mudpuddler. The process and templates are well defined, and do not require much time and minimal previous experience. Contact our Commodore, Cindy Tilbrook if you could assist.

That’s it for another week. Keep following updates through Snippets, Facebook and our club website.
Looking forward to some sailing on Albert Park Lake soon.

Rod Thomas
for Albert Sailing Club

PHOTO Attached

‘Memories’ trimaran from Team Wright.

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Thursday Snippets, 8 October

By Rod Thomas | Published: October 8, 2020

On saturday 10th we have ASC Drinks and Chat 4 to 5pm on saturday at Doug’s ASC Virtual Bar via https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88569989933.

The club’s monthly general committee meeting is another meet on Monday 12th October at 7.30. Contact the Commodore or Secretary if you have something to raise.

In Other News
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The ASC bathtub Boat Building competition closed this week with a mixed fleet of 9 entries including two trimarans, a tall ship, 5 monohulls, and a two litre container boat. Photos of entries are on their way to the start line on the club website, and will be up for judging next week.

A couple of weeks ago Ron ‘Lacko’ Lackington forwarded a suggestion for a new pontoon type craft for the club to consider for one of the grants we are currently applying for. The Shuttle bike is an Italian design which is best suited to flat water Lake conditions. It comes in a handy carry bag, with instrructions for inflation/deflation and use. In lockdown Ron has got his road bike out of the garage and taken to the road to build up fitness for a possible Shuttle bike try out on the Lake. This provides another activity for all of us to look forward to.

Rod Thomas
for ASC committee

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Thursday Snippets, 1 October

By Rod Thomas | Published: October 1, 2020

October has arrived. Victoria moves to Daylight Saving Time Zone on saturday night
We have ASC Drinks and Chat 4 to 5pm on saturday at Doug’s ASC Virtual Bar via https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86811272216

On 28 September Step 2 of the Victorian Government COVID19 Roadmap commenced. Exercise is permitted within 5 kilometres of your home or permitted workplace for up to 2 hours per day.
Australian Sailing Victoria has been liaising with Sport and Recreation Victoria and has posted an advice on sailing as a form of exercise in Step 2. Details can be accessed from the home page of our club website www.albertsc.org.au.
The club’s COVID Safe plan on our club website continues to be updated. Dates and arrangements for a return to sailing and club activity will depend upon government announcements on a move to Step 3 of their Roadmap and the specifics applying to community sport.

Final entries for the ASC Bathtub Boat building competition are coming in with photos for all entries need to be sent to training@albertsc.org.au by end of Monday 5th October. Attached is the the Team Wilson entry which is a scale model of the family’s Mirror dinghy ” No Chance”. The Mirror has been constructed from a cardboard milk container with sticky tape bonding of panels. The rig has satay stick Mast, gaff and boom spars with nylon sails. More entries to be shared in upcoming Snippets.

Looking forward to sailing on Albert Park Lake later this month.

Rod Thomas
for ASC committee

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Thursday Snippets, 24 September

By Rod Thomas | Published: September 24, 2020

A wintry blast of weather in Melbourne for the final weekend of September. We have another ASC Drinks and Chat 4 to 5pm on saturday at Doug’s ASC Virtual Bar. Members and friends most welcome. This will include a chat on return to operations at Albert Sailing Club when restrictions allow. The Albert Sailing Club Bathtub Boat building competition is progressing well. Entrant online registration via link on club website, by saturday 26th September with boat photos submitted by 5th October.
Join the ASC Drinks and Chat session on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84236713394

The article ‘Sydney 2000 and its Sailing Legacy” has been published on the Australian Sailing website and is a recommended read. Our own Tom King with his crew John Dransfield won a gold medal in the 470 class in the last week of September of the year 2000. The article includes a catchup with Tom and John, and the other sailing medallists from those games.
https://www.sailing.org.au/news/sydney-2000-and-its-sailing-legacy/

On 19th September it was International Talk Like a Pirate Day. To brush up on pirate speak an extract on pirate lingo from the IRLaPD website is provided below. Melbourne’s tall ship Enterprize is the closest we have to a Pirate Ship. The Enterprize has been in lockdown at Melbourne’s Docklands since mid March. The latest crew photos on https://www.facebook.com/tallshipenterprize capture the enthusiasm of the crew when they have had their annual pirate days in past years.

Looking forward to sailing on Albert Park Lake again soon.

Rod Thomas
for Albert Sailing Club committee

How To …… Talk* Like a Pirate

Pirate lingo is rich and complicated, sort of like a good stew. Here are the five basic words that you cannot live without. Master them, and you can face Talk Like a Pirate with a smile on your face and a parrot on your shoulder, if that’s your thing.
Ahoy! – “Hello!”
Avast! – Stop and give attention. It can be used in a sense of surprise, “Whoa! Get a load of that!” which today makes it more of a “Check it out” or “No way!” or “Get off!
”Aye! – “Why yes, I agree most heartily with everything you just said or did.”Aye aye! – “I’ll get right on that sir, as soon as my break is over.”
Arrr! – This one is often confused with arrrgh, which is of course the sound you make when you sit on a belaying pin. “Arrr!” can mean, variously, “yes,” “I agree,” “I’m happy,” “I’m enjoying this beer,” “My team is going to win it all,” “I saw that television show, it sucked!” and “That was a clever remark you or I just made.” And those are just a few of the myriad possibilities of Arrr!

And one more
Bung hole – Victuals on a ship were stored in wooden casks. The stopper in the barrel is called the bung, and the hole is called the bung hole. That’s all. It sounds a lot worse, doesn’t it? On TLAP Day – When dinner is served you’ll make quite an impression when you say, “Well, me hearties, let’s see what crawled out of the bung hole.” That statement will be instantly followed by the sound of people putting down their utensils and pushing themselves away from the table.

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