Hello fellow locked down sailors. No sailing and no club working bee on the Anzac Day weekend. The Winter series programmed to commence on saturday 2nd May has been postponed until Government Restrictions allow club operations to re-commence.
On saturday 25th April we do have :
* The Albert Park non sailing series Heat 3 at 2pm. You can still join the fun by visiting http://albertsc.org.au/index.php/racing/social-sailing1/.
* A Virtual online “After sailing ASC Drinks and Chat” at 4pm using ASC’s Zoom software facility. All welcome to join in at “Doug’s Virtual Bar” or on our “Virtual club decking”. To participate you need a PC or laptop with inbuilt microphone and camera or have a mini microphone/camera connected to your PC. You then need to send an email indicating you wish to attend to Rod via training@albertsc.org.au. You will be sent an email with a meeting link which you click at 4pm saturday and ‘whala’ you join the catchup meet.
Additional items of interest expanded below :
* AGM email and notices sent to members on 22 April
** Corona Series Race 2 Report
*** Current Albert Park Reserve Parking Permits and Arrangements
**** Latest Marine Safety Victoria and Victorian Chief Health Office Advice on Boating Restrictions
Members and Non Member News items are being sought for upcoming weekly Snippets and the next quarterly Mudpuddler Newsletter. Send contributions to me via training@albertsc.org.au.
Rod Thomas
for Albert Sailing Club committee
Annual General Meeting email and notices
* Notice of our AGM on saturday 16th May and links to Committee Nomination form and 2019/20 Committee Reports was sent to members via email from the Albert Sailing Club mailbox on wednesday 22nd April. If you are a member and have not seen it in your Inbox, can you check your email Junk or Promotion tabs to see whether it was received there. If not you can contact Cindy via commodore@albertsc.org.au to organise a resend of the email.
** Albert Park Non-Sailing Corona Series Race 2 Report
Race 2 of the Non-Sailing Corona Series was an exciting race with the Race Officer needing to look up the scoring rules due to a 3-way tie for 4th place. Our ASC junior Noah thrived in the lighter conditions. Noah romped home in 8 minutes with no capsizes (incorrect answers) to take out the race, hotly followed at 4 minute intervals by Rob (of the famous Pulham APYC clan) and Geoff, our visitor from South Gippsland. A number of the other sailors got caught up trying to sort out their standing from their running rigging, thus incurring penalties, ASC’s Rear Commodore Steve Dunn managed to get around the course with no capsizes but, having forgotten to sign on missed the start, hence taking out the wooden spoon. Sailors are having to decide between going for speed or trying not to capsize (i.e. zero incorrect answers), and it may take the entire series to determine which strategy works best.You can still join the fun by visiting http://albertsc.org.au/index.php/racing/social-sailing1/. But be warned, you will need to be ready to race by 2 p.m. sharp each Saturday if you want a chance of taking out the series prize (as yet, undetermined).
*** Current Albert Park Reserve Parking Permits and Arrangements
As per email from Parks Victoria on 20 April. ” The Victorian Government has restricted sporting, cultural, recreational and commercial activities to minimise the risk of people being in close contact with each other, so we can slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). We encourage everyone to follow the health advice provided by the Department of Health and Human Services www.dhhs.vic.gov.au Albert Park Reserve remains accessible for locals to exercise if physical distancing directions are strictly followed. Parking fees still apply to all car parks and kerbside parking spaces within Albert Park. Time restrictions and ticket requirements are shown on parking signs within the park. Given these exceptional times, we have advised the Parking Officers to apply leniency when conducting patrols. Unfortunately we are unable to process renewals for expired Sports Club parking permits due to the current restrictions in place by the Victorian Government. Permit applications can be processed after restrictions are lifted (ie eased and sailing club operations can re-commence). Club members with expired permits will need to purchase a ticket from the “Pay-and-Display” ticket machines in the park. Permit conditions specify that Sports Club parking permits may only be used for parking within the vicinity of your club whilst attending to your clubs’ activities. However, during the current restriction period, we are willing to provide some flexibility on this permit condition.”
Any updates will be forwarded in a future Snippets.
**** Latest Marine Safety Victoria Advice on current Boating Restrictions on their websiteResponse to boating queries about COVID-19 Updated: 21 AprilThe Chief Health Officer has provided advice that canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, rowing and surf skiing are permitted, as long as physical distancing is complied with and people don’t travel large distances to do them.Recreational fishing and boating are not permitted.Read more about recreational boating restrictions and the exemption for commercial operations on the Better Boating Victoria website.
Thursday Snippets, 23 April
Thursday Snippets, 16 April
The Winter Sailing Season on Albert Park Lake due to start on the first Saturday in May has been postponed due to current stage 3 covid19 government restrictions. We will commence sailing on the Lake when restrictions are eased.
In the meantime join the challenge on Saturdays at 2pm in the online Albert Park Corona Non-Sailing Series. Details and how to enter are on to http://albertsc.org.au/index.php/racing/social-sailing1/
ALBERT PARK CORONA SERIES Heat 1
Heat one of the Albert Park Non-Sailing Corona series was held in windy conditions on Saturday 11th May. Multiple capsizes gave plenty of entertainment to the spectators. Jon Pulham led early but mistook the windward mark for the leeward mark, with most of the fleet following.
Geoff Rippingale visiting from South Gippsland YC showed the locals up, being the only sailor to sail the correct course and stay upright, losing time to Jon only as he searched the sailing instructions for his ‘footwear’. It helps to have some local knowledge!
Third to finish and first from Albert Sailing Club was Rod Thomas in the imaginatively named “Rod’s Boat”. First junior was Noah Bajayo also from ASC in his Laser 4.7 “The only series I have a chance in”
The Pulham family from APYC had three entrants – I think I know where Jon gets his competitive side from! Fortunately for the fleet the other Pulhams don’t always know their tacks from their clews.
The wind is looking a bit lighter this week – with three drops allowed the series is just getting started and no one is out of it yet!
Join in the fun this Saturday at 2pm Go to http://albertsc.org.au/index.php/racing/social-sailing1/ for details.
(Note from the Race Officer: The results, questions and answers from Race 1 on that page will give you some further insights into the cryptic race report provided by Jon Pulham.)
THIS WEEK’S Videos
Internet Streaming of Treasure Island
A full stage production of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic will be shown on the UK National Theatre’s YouTube channel from midday Friday April 17 and be available for a week.
Treasure Island is an adventure story tale of “buccaneers and buried gold.” Its influence has been enormous on popular perceptions of pirates, including such elements as treasure maps marked with an “X”, schooners, the Black Spot, tropical islands, and one-legged seamen bearing parrots on their shoulders.
Sailor Girl Weekly Video show
Weekly half hour ‘Adventures of Sailor Girl” is a streaming video show hosted by Nic Douglass. Nic has been a keen sailor since starting as a Mirror crew as a junior in New South Wales, and has interviews and footage mainly from Australian sailors and events. http://www.nicdouglass.org/
There are plenty of clips on YouTube of sailors keeping actived during pandemic restrictions. Vaikobi is keeping the #staypositive vibes going during April with the VAIKOBI ISO CHALLENGE with AUD 1000 of prizes up for grabs!
To be in the running to win, all you have to do is show your most entertaining home training videos that feature you getting wet! (Or the closest thing to the representing the ocean)
Here’s what you have to do:
• Step 1: Get your training gear on (wetsuit, life jacket, boardies, etc)
• Step 2: Get the video rolling and film your iso-training (You can do it solo or with your family / housemates)
• Step 3: Get wet and have fun (a bucket, water pistol, shower, or hose)
• Step 4: Post the video on Vaikobi’s Facebook wall and hashtag #vaikobiisochallenge OR post to Instagram and hashtag #vaikobiisochallenge
MEMBERS NEWS
We are looking for updates from Members and Past Members on their past, recent or current activities. Shorter updates of 1 to 3 paragraphs for inclusion in Snippets. Longer articles for the next Mudpuddler. Include photos if you have them.
Send to Rod via training@albertsc.org.au
Rod Thomas
For ASC committee
Thursday Snippets, 9 April
Hi there fellow locked down sailors and supporters.
It was a wild and windy weekend in Melbourne last weekend. Sailing would have been cancelled even if it was scheduled. The Albert Park area had some good downpours such that the Lake continues to be full. Sad that we are not able to go out for a sail with current COVID-19 Stage 3 restrictions.
We still have some club related activities and News to share.
UPCOMING
Albert Park Non-Sailing Corona Series
Four hearty sailors participated in our practice race last Saturday, with regular fleet leader Jonathan Pulham coming in the winner. The ‘real’ Autumn series commences this Saturday promptly at 2 p.m. and will consist of 8 races each Saturday to the end of May. You need to complete at least 5 of the 8 races to be eligible to win the prize (yet to be determined). It would be great to have a fleet of 40 or 50 boats in the series, so brush up your sailing knowledge and internet searching skills and let’s see if someone can stop Jonathan. (Come on ASC sailors!) You’ll need to be ready on the start line promptly at 2 p.m., as all answers in the practice race came in within 30 minutes, with the winner setting a cracking pace of only 3 minutes to complete the 6 easy practice questions. For further details go to http://albertsc.org.au/index.php/racing/social-sailing1/ .
ASC April General Committee Meeting online Wednesday 15th April at 7.30. The committee had a video hookup this week to discuss COV-19 membership impacts. An email/letter from our Commodore should be sent out next few days on this and some other items.
MEMBERS NEWS
Ron Lackington update
Ron ‘Lacko; Lackington is one of our club legends, and has reported in on his response to the community lockdown. Ron has been revisiting Tai Chi “something he did 50 years ago in Wagga when working at the Daily Advertiser and playing football. “An old Chinese guy who was about 80 taught a few of us footballers, Rugby and Auz Rules players during the day. He used to say with his hands in the greeting position “I’m trying hard but oh my pupils so clumsy”. I can only remember a couple of moves he used to insist on but have a detailed book I’m trying to digest and use. Trouble is it keeps saying it takes one year to master basic exercise before moving to simple form and that’s supposed to be seven days a week!” Simple Form is the more complicated part of an already complicated discipline. Anyway the exercise is good and a very different way of killing an hour or so stumbling around. I’ll be happy to just get my head around the 125 odd moves that form the exercise bit. Don’t hang any hats on a demonstration – not happening!”
“I’d like to See That” with Ron doing Tai Chi.
Brian Finlayson Marlay Point Race report
Brian’s report on the 2020 Marlay Point race is provided below. This race is sailed on the Gippsland Lakes from Lake Wellington Yacht Club (21 kms east of Sale) to Paynesville, approximately 70 kms by road. It is the only overnight race for trailer sailors boats in Australia and has earned a reputation as the Sydney-Hobart for trailer sailor yachts. (generally monohull boats 4 to 7 metres in length with a cabin).
We are looking for updates from Members and Past Members on their recent, current or future activities to include in Snippets. Updates of 1 to 3 paragraphs preferred with a jpeg photo if you have one.
This week’s Sailing Video Clips
https://www.facebook.com/168535683283054/posts/1819774748159131/
https://www.facebook.com/168535683283054/posts/1819399758196630/
Rod Thomas
for ASC committee
Brian Finlayson Report
I’ve sailed 8 Marlay Point races on Gippsland Lakes since 2008. I sailed the 2020 Marlay Point race in early March in my Investigator 435. This year sailed two handed with John Price (a former ASC member), with our third crew member a late withdrawal which made for a long sleepless night. Since 2008 I have been praying for a westerly wind. It would be great to cross the start line with the spinnaker up and keep it up to the finish. However, it has never happened to me on the Marlay Point even though it is possible, This year we sailed into a fairly strong headwind for the whole race, which made for a relatively cold and wet passage.
We started the race from Lake Wellington Yacht Club at dusk with a small headsail and a reef in the main then increased the sail area after we got through McLennan Strait. However, even with our shortened sail we had problems with rounding up into the wind. Our other problem was that sailing into the wind all night with only two of us meant it was difficult to maintain concentration so we spent a lot of time either pointing too high or not high enough. This is a long-winded way for me to tell you that we didn’t win. Not only did we not win, we had our worst Marlay Point result ever. We were 34th over the line in eleven and a half hours and 31st on handicap in a fleet of 35 boats in Division A.. The only other Investigator in the race was just ahead of us and 29th on handicap. 102 starters in Total.
In mid March I have moved up to my Central Queensland winter home. For the autumn and winter months I usually sail with the Capricornia Cruising Yacht Club in central Queenslandand. This year we plan to hold a weekend of racing for trailable yachts on the first weekend of September. Come and join us with your boat (COVID-19 permitting).
Thursday Snippets, 2 April
Hi there fellow locked down sailors and supporters
Victoria has moved to Stage 3 of COVid-19 Restrictions
* Our ASC clubrooms have been closed. The boatyard is still acessible for members who have a club key, with need to following all Government mandated health guidelines. We are liasing with SEDA group as to whether they will resume at ASC for any midweek classes from start of term 2.
* The Government’s Marine Safety Victoria has asked Victorians to stop all forms of recreational boating as part of Stage 3 restrictions. The Premier has described exercise as ‘a walk round the block or a bike ride’. and this does not include recreational boating.
Upcoming
—————–
A new “Albert Park Non-Sailing Corona Series’ is being developed to commence online at 2pm on saturday afternoons from saturday 4 April. There will be a ‘racing’ format with entrants to answer a number of boating/sailing related questions in the fastest possible time. Scoring in the traditional sailing format, with the first correct response received within the race time limit being awarded 1 point, the second correct response 2 points etc. Incorrect answers a “DNF”. Overall series scoring and a prize awarded at the end of the series (perhaps a case of Corona beer?). To find out further details, visit http://albertsc.org.au/index.
Ocean Talks: Captain Cook – Man or Myth? 6.30 to 7.30 on Thursday 2 April. First of a series of online nautical webinars from Australian National Maritime Museum. Register on https://www.sea.museum/whats-on/events/cook-man-or-myth?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=cook_ocean_talk
Retrospective
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In March there were a number of sailing and boating events in which members participated.
The Paynesville Classic Boat Rally on Gippsland Lakes on the first weekend of March. APYC’s classic Acrospire was trailered down and was a popular entrant. Plenty of photos and other media on https://www.paynesvilleclassicboatrally.com.au/index.php/gallery
The Marley Point Overnight Race for trailable boats on the Gippsland Lakes was on the second weekend in March. ASC’s Brian Finlayson sailed his Investigator 563 trailable in a fleet of 101 boats. We are seeking a report from Brian.
Sailing Videos
There are plenty on the Internet.
Try SailingMore. A couple of their Corona Virus related sailing videos: https://www.facebook.com/SailingMore/videos/1662239877257554/
https://www.facebook.com/SailingMore/videos/659060471556111/
We plan to keep Thursday Snippets going.
If you have a contribition send it to me via training@albertsc.org.au
Rod Thomas
Thursday Snippets, 26 March
All activities at Albert Sailing Club have been suspended as a result of current Government and Health guidelines associated with the COVID-19 situation. This includes the club sailing and training programs, and all clubroom activities. Members with boats in the club boatyard who have a club key will still be able to access their boat and use it, subject to prevailing Government and Parks Victoria prescriptions. Changerooms are closed, and toilets only to be used if absolutely necessary with individual responsibility for pre and post cleaning of toilet facilities. A limited program of cleaning of clubrooms and changeroom/toilet areas is under discussion with our cleaning contractor and will be advised when finalised. If you choose to visit the club to check on your boat or use it please follow the guidelines of the Australian and Victorian Governments and their authorities which are applicable at the the time. Anyone who is in quarantine or self isolation must stay at home until they are cleared to leave and anyone who is unwell please stay away.
The Autumn edition of the club’s Mudpuddler Newsletter has been mailed out to members and an online copy placed on the Home page of the club website www.albertsc.org.au. The Newsletter and the enclosed brochure provided information on the proposed unification of Albert Sailing Club and the Albert Park Yacht Club and a timtetable of actions. These actions have now been suspended. The Members Information meeting scheduled for 4th April and the Special General Meeting scheduled for the18th May have both been postponed to future dates to be determined. The format and scheduling of the Annual General Meeting planned for 18th May is to be determined.
The operations of the club are under being considered by the club’s flag officers and general committee. The next meeting of the full committee will be an online meeting just after Easter on wednesday 15th April.
Stay safe and well everyone
Rod Thomas and Cindy Tibrook
for ASC committee
Thursday Snippets, 19 May
This week, I’m reminded of the old saying “May you live in interesting times”. We hope all our members are well, managing these unsettling times and coping with the lack of toilet paper!
Our committee has considered the COVID-19 situation and has decided that, until further restrictions are put in place, sailing will continue as per the sailing calendar. We ask that members be considerate of others and stay home if feeling unwell, if you are in a high-risk category, or have recently been overseas. Please restrict visitors to the club as much as possible, show extra care with your hygiene including washing hands regularly and avoid close physical contact with others at all times. Briefing will be conducted over the PA system so that we don’t have too many people in the clubhouse at any point of time. We will also be asking all people attending the club each Saturday to ‘sign in’ so that we have a register of those in the club each week.
There is every possibility the above measures may change and we will keep our members notified. If you wish to view the committee’s risk assessment in relation to the virus, please visit
https://albertsailingclub.wildapricot.org/page-1779766
We have Race 8 of the Summer Championship on this Saturday with Gary Todd as OOD, followed by Summer Handicap 7 on March 28th. Weather is looking OK for Saturday and the lake is full, so we should see some good sailing. The galley will be open as usual this week but there will be no BBQ following sailing.
At this stage, our next Junior School holiday program will be on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd April. Details on ASC Facebook an ASC Wild Apricot website.
You should receive the latest Mudpuddler Newsletter within the next few days. Included in the Muddy envelope is a special Member Information Brochure providing information in relation to the proposal to unify with APYC, which will be voted on by members at a Special General Meeting on May 16th following our AGM on that same date. This is an important document for all club members so please take the time to read it. We have a joint information session with APYC on Saturday 4 April at 11.30 a.m. followed by further ASC discussions after sailing on that same day. All members are encouraged to attend these sessions if at all possible to have any questions answered or to raise any issues or concerns. All of these dates may change subject to developments in the Corona Virus situation.
Cindy Tilbrook, Commodore (in Rod’s absence who is off sailing in the Laser Masters event)
Thursday Snippets, 5 March
For the March long weekend there is no organised club sailing at ASC, but there are a few people planning on being at club and on the water on saturday 7th from 10am to early afternoon. Any queries on this to Don McKenzie.
There are a number of members sailing in championships over the next week or so including : Aeros at Mt Martha, Optimists at Sorrento, Impulse at Portarlington, Lasers at Geelong, and at the Marley Point overnight race for trailable boats on the Gippsland Lakes.
The next ASC sailing days will be on saturday 21st and 28th March. With the F1 Grand Prix lockdown there wil lbe no access to the Albert Park Reserve for a week from midnight Monday 9th. A junior school holiday program has been ‘pencilled in’ for 3rd and 4th April, subject to demand. If interested in school holiday program send an email to training@albertsc.org.au by 10th March to register interest .
Rod Thomas
for ASC committee
Thursday Snippets, 27 February
The next ASC club sailing day is on saturday 29th February, then a break to the next on saturday 21st March. In the afternoon of 29th there is club race (at 2.30), and junior green fleet and youth development programs. Due to Grand Prix preparations the only vehicular access to the Albert Park Reserve is via the steel gates off Albert Road (at end of Clarendon Street). Car parking in Aquatic Drive behind ASC or in Albert Road.
The Park will be totally closed for the Grand Prix from Monday 9th to Monday 17th March, with no access to ASC in this period.
UPCOMING
28th Feb to 1 March. Williamstown – Seaport Festival Three tall ships, maritime displays and entertainment.
7th to 9th March. Geelong Wooden Boats Festival with Parade of Sail, lots of wooden boats big and small, maritime displays and entertainment,
Next Snippets is planned for mid March,
Rod Thomas
for ASC committee
Thursday Snippets, 20 February
Another full weekend on saturday 22nd and sunday 23rd, with good prospects for weather and for Lake conditions following recent rains. Club members, whether sailing or not, are encouraged to come on saturday for the monthly informal Commodore’s chat at 12 noon with the main topic progress on club Unification and the motions for unification being prepared for a Special General Meeting in May.
* On saturday there is a club race from 2.30, and afternoon programs for junior Green Fleet in Ozi Optis and junior Youth Development program in Pacers. The club opens by 10am and there is Victorian Schools Team races from the Boatshed 8.30 to 11.30. BBQ at ASC after sailing.
* On sunday 23rd there is the monthly Social Sailing Day from 10am to 3pm. Sail your own boat or a club adult, family or junior boat and/or relax with your lunch on the club balcony.
The club’s Autumn Mudpuddler Newsletter is being compiled with final submissions to the editor via mudpuddler@albertsc.org.au on or before Friday 21st.
Upcoming
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Albert Park and Albert Sailing Club members have been invited to attend the Paynesville Wooden Boat Rally 2020 Friday 28th February to Sunday 1st March. A number of Albert Park Yacht Club members are taking down their 100+ years old Acrospire 2 to sail throughout the weekend on the Gippsland Lakes. Members from both clubs have been invited to take up a rare opportunity to jump on board and have a sail in this classic yacht from the 1800’s on the Gippsland Lakes. Further information contact Graeme Cox 0417 426 762 or Paul Taig 0402 543 095
Also there is a Williamtown Seaport Festival in Williamstown from Friday 28th February to Wednesday 4th March. Tall Ships (including James Craig, Young Endeavour, Enterprize), Classic Yachts, Discover Sailing sessions, Maritime displays, farmers markets, and entertainment. Details on https://www.williamstownseaportfestival.com.au/
Rod Thomas
for ASC committee
Thursday Snippets, 30 April
Hello fellow locked down sailors. The Winter series programmed to commence on saturday 2nd May has been postponed. We wait for Victorian Government announcements in mid May on restrictions to apply in the upcoming period, in particular whether some level of recreational boating will be permitted. Albert Park Lake is being primed for boating activity with further rain keeping the water level at or very neat the maximum. The second 2 – 3 week round of Lake aquatic weed harvesting for 2019/20 is also underway as per photo at bottom of this message.
While we are currently not sailing on the Lake there are some current and upcoming activities of interest for extended club community.
* New Albert Park eSailing championships
There is an invite to current and past ASC and APYC sailors to participate in the inaugural Zhik Australian eSailing National Challenge online virtual regatta. The event comprises a 3 Round elimination series :
1. A 7 race ASC/APYC combined championship series (5 to count), 9th May 1530 and 10 th May 1100 ( 16th May 1530 resail) Maximum 20 entries. Possibly a practice race on saturday 2nd May.
2. Overall ASC/APYC club champion to compete in the AS eSailing State Championship (22-24 May).
3. The top two State Champions to compete in the Zhik Australian eSailing National Challenge regatta (28 May).
The NOR and SI’s can be found here.
To enter complete the following by no later than Wednesday 6th May :
1. Register online at Virtual Regatta Instructions on how to register are described in How to Register and create your profile
NOTE: For your PC the app is NOT required (use browser).
2. Complete the sail training module (strongly advised).
3. Select a J/70 boat from the regatta window, by clicking the boat icon in lower left corner.
4. Send an email entry with Subject line : Virtual Regatta by Wednesday 6th May to tower@albertsc.org.au
Email details to include
Virtual regatta Profile name
J/70 boat colour
your email address
phone number for contact
Good esailing and Regards Steve Dunn (ASC Rear Commodore)
* Corona Non Sailing Series Heat 4 at 2pm on saturday afternoon.
New entrants welcome and can still qualify for a series result with 5 of 8 races to count.
There was an exciting race 3 on Anzac Day, with a slighly longer race which saw most competitors very quick off the mark but often not so good in handling the tricky conditions.Well done to new entrants Paul and Emma Taig for winning (despite 1 capsize) and to Chris and Rob Pulham who finished second and third with no capsizes.
After 3 races in the 8 race series the overall placings are very close with the top 4 headed by the junior entrant Noah Bajayo narrowly from Geoff Rippingale and Chris and Rob Pulham.
Series and Entry details on
http://albertsc.org.au/index.php?cID=276
* Albert Sailing Club Annual General Meeting on 16th May
In a first, this year this will be an online meeting via Zoom. Members need to register online to hookin to the meeting. The Registration link, and the 2019/20 Committee Reports are in the Club section of www,albertsc.org.au. There is also nomination form for 2020/21 ASC General Committee. Some new committee members are being sought to assist with the running of the club.
Rod Thomas
for ASC Committee