Thursday Snippets 16/10/2025

By Giane | Published: October 14, 2025

This Coming Weekend at ASC:

Another fantastic weekend to get involved in club activities!

This Saturday the 18th of October, ASC-APYC club racing commences at 2:30pm, the briefing is at 1:45pm at APYC.

“Social Sailing Day” on Sunday 19th of October, from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Members, relatives and friends all welcome, so spread the word. This is also a fantastic opportunity to come and visit for those considering joining our club. Club training boats are available subject to skipper experience level and weather conditions.

Previous Events at ASC:

Last weekend we hosted our ‘Trivia Night’ in our clubrooms, it was a fantastic occasion with 50 people attending. A huge congratulations and thanks to Bettina and John for organising such a magnificent night, well supported by club members, Gai, Rowley, Steve, Rod, Leslie and Tony. Congratulations to the winning table of the night, the back to back champions from last year!

Notices:

  • If you have any content you would like mentioned in upcoming snippets or pictures/videos for our social media please contact Giane via mudpuddler@albertsc.org.au 

Giane Gardyne

Albert Sailing Club

* A fantastic photo taken off the start boat by ASC member Stephen.

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Thursday Snippets 09/10/2025

By Giane | Published: October 8, 2025

This Coming Weekend at ASC:

Many great opportunities to get involved in club activities this weekend!

This Saturday 11th of October, we will have our first spring season monthly informal race and social sailing. You can sail your own boat, club Zest or club Pacer training boat. 

Arrive between 9:30am and 9:50am to rig. The information session is in our clubrooms at 10:15am for the Informal Race at 11am.

ASC-APYC club racing commences at 2:30pm, the briefing is at 1:45pm at ASC.

Then grab your family, friends and neighbours for our ‘Trivia Night’ in our clubrooms for some friendly competition and fun. Jump onto the ASC website and register for a delicious dinner of wood-fired pizza and home made dessert starting at 6pm or you can just join us for Trivia at 7pm.

Previous Events at ASC:

Last weekend APYC hosted their season opening and bracelet/spring handicap race. A wonderful day, congratulations to all those involved and ASC member Phil Gardyne who won the beautiful bracelet handmade by APYC member Dave Weston. (Pictured below)

Upcoming Events:

  • “Social Sailing Day” on Sunday 19th of October, from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Members, relatives and friends all welcome, so spread the word. This is also a fantastic opportunity to come and visit for those considering joining our club. Club training boats are available subject to skipper experience level and weather conditions. 
  • For enquiries on club sailing events please contact Rod or Jaemie via  sailing@albertsc.org.au or on sail training please contact Geoff via training@albertsc.org.au.

 

Giane Gardyne

Albert Sailing Club

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Thursday Snippets 02/10/2025

By Giane | Published: October 1, 2025

This Coming Weekend at ASC:

Looks like it is going to be a nice warm day on Saturday for club racing!

APYC have invited ASC members to the Season Opening in APYC clubrooms from 1pm. There will also be a Sail Past at 2.15pm, before racing starts at 2.30pm.

Upcoming Events:

  • For a fun night with family and friends in our clubrooms, jump onto the ASC website and register for the upcoming trivia night on Saturday 11th of October. Registration closes Wednesday 8th of October.
  • On Saturday 11th of October, we will have our first spring season monthly informal race and social sailing at 11am, you can sail your own boat, club Zest or club Pacer training boat. ASC-APYC club racing will then commence at 2:30pm.
  • ‘Social Sailing Day’ on Sunday 19th of October. Members, relatives and friends all welcome. Further information to be provided soon.
  • If any member is interested in crewing on a club boat or looking to have assistance with their own boat on the 4th, 11th or 19th of October, please contact Rod on sailing@albertsc.org.au

Giane Gardyne
Albert Sailing Club

Photo Credit: Stephen, ASC Member.

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Thursday Snippets 25/09/2025

By Giane | Published: September 24, 2025

This Coming Weekend at ASC:

No club racing this weekend due to the AFL Grand Final long weekend. Enjoy a weekend away from the water supporting the Geelong Cats or the Brisbane Lions!

If ALF isn’t for you, you can get behind the Wallabies in their game against the All Blacks on Saturday.

Previous Events at ASC:

Last weekend we wrapped up the Bill Hooper series. A fantastic few weekends of short course racing, thanks to all those involved.

Upcoming Events:

  • A reminder that Club racing start time will change on October 11th to 2:30pm due to the move to Daylight saving time.
  • For a fun night with family and friends in our clubrooms, jump onto the ASC website and register for the upcoming trivia night on Saturday 11th of October. Registration closes Wednesday 8th of October.

 

Giane Gardyne
Albert Sailing Club

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Thursday Snippets, 18 September

By Rod Thomas | Published: September 17, 2025

Club sailing day on Saturday 20 September, with club open from 10am, and Week 3 of 3 Week Bill Hooper short course series from 2pm. Sign On and 1.15 Information Session at Albert Sailing Club clubrooms, with Rod Thomas Race Officer coordinating sailing for the day. Also in the morning fourth and final week for new club members doing the Learn to Sail program in Pacer class boats through the Albert Park Boatshed.

The Spring Sailing Season commences on Saturday 4 October, with sailing on Saturdays weekly at 2.30. No club sailing on Albert Park Lake on the AFL Grand Final long weekend.
Albert Sailing Club members and visitors have been invited to join Albert Park Yacht Club members in their clubrooms at 1pm on 4th for a Season Opening including a blessing of the fleet. There will be a Sail Past of boats at 2.15 and Ladies Bracelet and Spring Handicap 1 at 2.30.

Albert Sailing Club membership renewals for 2025/26 become due on 1 October. Two emails are programmed to be sent to current members on the 19/20 September– a letter on Membership Renewals and current club activity from the Commodore, and the Invoice for Membership and where relevant Boatyard Racking.
New member enquiries and applications are as always welcome. Information about the Club and Join the Club are on our club website www.albertsc.org.au

Guidelines for Casual Sailing for Albert Sailing Club members (and visitors) have been updated and can access on a link on Home of www.albertsc.org.au. In essence people sail at their own risk and should take account of factors such as prevailing weather conditions and their skill and experience level.

Upcoming
————-
Saturday 4 October morning next 4 week Learn to Sail program for current and new club members. Contact Geoff via training@albertsc.org.au by Saturday 20th if interested in the October course. There will be another from early November.

Saturday 11 October from 7pm our Annual Trivia Night in our ASC clubrooms preceded by dinner, drinks and chat time. ASC members, families and friends, and APYC members and visitors from other clubs most welcome. Details and Registration on club website.
Morning of 11 October first of our monthly Spring Informal Races and/or Casual Sailing sessions, with club boats available for Hire.

Sunday 19 October Social Sailing Day10.30 to 3.30 or so. For members, their families and friends and people with an interest in potentially joining our Club.

Rod Thomas
for Albert Sailing Club committee and members

Photo : Great shot of Sabre group sailing downwind in the APYC City Sail Women’s and Girls Regatta on the 13/14 September weekend. And good to see ASC’s Silke Schwartz out in Sabre 1653. Well done on the regatta APYC. Daryl Larcombe (APYC) photo. Thanks Daryl.

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ASC Snippets – Special Edition

By Rod Thomas | Published: September 14, 2025

We are delighted to announce that our club was highly successful in the Awards ceremony on Friday night for the Australia Sailing – Victoria division at Sandringham Yacht Club.

Rod Thomas was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award, Luke Tupper with the Official of the Year Award, VIODA and Leah Keh with the Sport Promotion award, and Ros Marshall with the Volunteer of the Year Award. Rod and Luke are current ASC members and the Opti Association, Leah and Ros have been part of the winter training program at ASC over recent months and are regular (and most welcome!) visitors to our club.

Congrats to all of these winners — we are proud to have you associated with our club.

Full extracts of the Awards are outlined below (thanks to Aust Sailing for the content):

Rod Thomas:

  

Rod Thomas has dedicated nearly 50 years to the growth and development of dinghy sailing in Victoria, making a lasting impact at Albert Sailing Club and within the Mirror Class Association.
As a long-standing committee member, former Commodore, Race Officer, instructor, and event organiser, he has nurtured generations of sailors, including Olympians, while promoting junior and women’s participation.
Rod’s tireless volunteer work, leadership in major regattas, and commitment to sailing education and community engagement exemplify a lifetime of service.
His passion, expertise, and enduring contributions make him a truly deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Luke Tupper:

Luke has dedicated over a decade to the development of race officials in Victoria, serving in executive roles on the Victorian Race Officials Committee and now as its Chair. He has been instrumental in mentoring upcoming officials, particularly in umpiring and judging, and continues to provide on-water support and guidance at events. Beyond this, Luke has played a pivotal role in establishing and organising schools team racing in Victoria, where his leadership, administration, and hands-on involvement have shaped its success.

Leah Keh and the Opti Association:

VIODA and Leah have transformed the way sailing is promoted through creativity, leadership, and dedication. Promotional engagement significantly grew, inspired new families into the sport, and positioned junior sailing as inclusive and accessible. Beyond promotion, vibrant community programs have been built at Albert Park Lake, revitalised international exchanges, launched the Sail It Forward donation campaign, and championed initiatives such as Girls Camp and the Umpire Cup. Their ability to connect people, secure sponsorship, and tell powerful stories has elevated sailing in Victoria and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and its future.

Ros Marshall

Rosaline is an outstanding volunteer whose selfless dedication has made a remarkable impact on youth sailing in Victoria through her tireless work with the Victorian International Optimist Dinghy Association. From organising training camps and regional regattas to creating a welcoming environment at events, she plays a vital role in connecting families, coaches, and sailors across the state. Known for her generosity, inclusiveness, and quiet leadership, Rosaline embodies the true spirit of volunteerism and has helped open opportunities for countless young sailors.

Cindy Tilbrook
Albert Sailing Club

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ASC Snippets 11/9/2025

By Rod Thomas | Published: September 10, 2025

Working Bee this Saturday

Due to APYC’s CitySail weekend, there is no ASC sailing on the lake this weekend.  Instead, come along and help out at the working bee  commencing around 10-10.30.      Morning tea will be provided.  Primary work is to be in the boatyard and around the clubhouse.

Last Week at the Lake

Our latest sailing video, of racing during Week 2 of the Bill Hooper Series (6/9/2025) is now on our YouTube channel HERE.  Courtesy of Steve Dunn – thanks Steve.

Jamie has also produced a very short clip of last week’s action which can be found HERE.

Two races were conducted by APYC during the afternoon with a fleet of around 25 boats out enjoying the conditions.  The final week of the series will be sailed on Sept 20.

Rod Thomas Nomination

As mentioned last week, Rod has reached the finalist group for the Victorian Australian Sailing Lifetime Achievement Award, and the presentation will take place Friday 12/9/2025.  If you would like to attend, tickets are still available:

The Victorian Awards night will be held on
Date: Friday, 12 September 2025
Venue: Sandringham Yacht Club
Time: 6:00 PM
Dress Code: Cocktail Dress Attire

Register here

Save the Date:  Trivia Night October 11th  

The popular ASC annual Trivia night will be hosted by quizmaster Bettina this year and further details will be released soon. Get some friends together, come along and see if you and your team’s name will end up on our perpetual Trivia Trophy.

2025 Regatta Photos

The photos from our 2025 ‘Top of the Lake’ regatta have now been compiled into four different kinds:

  • Best of the Regatta Photos
  • Sailors: individuals and groups
  • General Regatta Photos
  • Presentations.

The link to the portfolio of photos is available HERE.  Click on this link, select the particular kind of photo you want, and then scroll through the selection.   You should also be able to download any photos you wish to save.

Thanks to all of our various volunteers who put their photos through for this compilation.

Our photos in this edition of Snippets will give you a sample of some of the top shots.

Upcoming Regattas

With the opening of the sailing season rapidly approaching, clubs around the State are putting regatta plans into place.  Check out the following links:

  • Bendigo Yacht Club Ice-breaker regatta:  Sept 20-21.  Details and registration HERE.
  • Sail Sandy: Sandringham Yacht Club:   Oct 18-19.  Details HERE
  • Sail Melbourne:  Royal Brighton Yacht Club:  Nov 27-30.  Details HERE

 

          

 

 

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ASC Snippets 4/9/2025

By Rod Thomas | Published: September 3, 2025

Congrats to Rod!
ASC is delighted to advise that Rod Thomas, our Rear-Commodore, has been selected as a finalist in the Australian Sailing Victorian State Awards – Lifetime Achievement Award.  This award has a primary focus on an individual’s significant and sustained impact on sailing in Australia, and is presented to individuals who have made an outstanding and lasting contribution to the sport of sailing in Australia for a minimum of 20 years. In the words of Alexandra Starkova, Club Support Office Victoria: “Your dedication, passion, and exceptional contribution to the sailing community have not only been recognised but celebrated. The positive impact of your work has enriched our sport and inspired others, and we are proud to acknowledge your achievements.”

Well deserved, Rod, to reach the finalist stage and best wishes for an enjoyable and successful Awards night.

The Victorian Awards night will be held on
📅 Date: Friday, 12 September 2025
📍 Venue: Sandringham Yacht Club
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
👗 Dress Code: Cocktail Dress Attire
and if you would like to join our Commodore and help Rod celebrate his nomination, you can register here

Saturday 7/9/2025: Bill Hooper Series Week 2

Saturday sees the second week of our annual 3-session Bill Hooper Series. This will be short-course racing starting at 2 p.m. with briefing at 1.15 p.m. at APYC. Saturday’s weather is currently indicating a warmer, partly cloudy day with east to northeasterly winds 10 to 15 knots tending north to northeasterly 15 to 20 knots during the morning.  In other words, a perfect day to come to the lake and enjoy an afternoon of sailing and some hot BBQ food and a drink on the deck after racing.

But given the variability of Melbourne’s weather, if you wish to check the weather prior to coming to the club, don’t forget to view current conditions via the webcam on the homepage of our website and visit the Sailing/Weather tab on the website for reports from various sites.

Recent Action on the Lake

Last week saw the first 2 races of the Bill Hooper series sailed in cold, gusty conditions. The day started with a Gale Force wind warning, but when this was dropped around 10.30 a.m., Race Officer Geoff Saliba rallied his crew to conduct a successful afternoon of racing, with a fleet somewhat reduced in size. Well done Geoff and your duty crews.

Further to the advice in Snippets last week that Jamie Wilson has been taking some GoPro footage whilst out on the lake during the Trophy Race the previous week, he and his son Alex have now compiled this into a fantastic  video of the afternoon, complete with soundtrack, lots of sailing action,  and starring Michael in his OK dinghy.  This has now been uploaded to our ASC YouTube channel and it is well worth watching.  You can view it here.  

Trophy presentations for ASC-APYC Summer Championship and Handicap series were held in ASC clubrooms prior to sailing on a Saturday afternoon in August. Congratulations to all of the series place getters. The 14 August post on the APYC Facebook has photos of all placegetters.  

Our new trainees (Cate, Lauren and Joe) were in action on the lake last Saturday morning for the first week of their training program.  All took to the water in the somewhat challenging conditions and handled the conditions well.  We look forward to following their progress and wish them well.

Farewell to VIODA for another year
Sunday afternoon saw the final Victorian Optimist class coaching session at the lake for this year, with the Girls’ Camp Party on the Sunday evening.  As the VIODA Facebook page says: 

What a night! Boba tea, sweet treats, popcorn, games, laughter, and gifts, all to celebrate our amazing VIODA girls!
We love seeing how our sailors not only bond on the water but also grow as besties on shore. These friendships last a lifetime, and VIODA is proud to be the bridge that brings them together.

Now that the program at ASC has concluded for this year, a group of the Opti sailors are shortly heading to the IODA Qingdao International Optimist Training Camp and Regatta, all geared in the official Team Australia bibs!  (see photo kindly provided by the VIODA Facebook page).  What an experience for these young sailors to have.  All at ASC wish you safe travels and fair winds!

And to all Opti sailors and their families:  you are welcome to return to ASC at any time and we look forward to seeing you all back in 2026.

 

 

Upcoming

Save the Date:  Trivia Night October 11th:   The popular ASC annual Trivia night will be hosted by new quizmaster Bettina this year and further details will be released soon. Get some friends together, come along and see if you and your team’s name will end up on our perpetual Trivia Trophy.

September 13:  ASC Spring Working Bee from 9.30. There will be a group focussing on Club Boatyard and club training boats. Otherwise tidy up of clubrooms, windows, etc.

September 13/14: City Sail Women and Girls Coaching and Racing Regatta on Albert Park Lake hosted by Albert Park Yacht Club. Further information and entries on https://www.apyc.org.au/citysail.html. ASC members wanting to use an ASC club boat or needing other assistance can contact Jaemie through sailing@albertsc.org.au.

September 21:  First aid training at the ASC clubrooms.  If you are keen to either obtain or renew your first aid qualifications, contact Jaemie via sailing@albertsc.org.au.

Be part of our ‘Meet and Greet’ team!

We are seeking a pool of volunteers to be rostered on at the club on a Saturday morning on an infrequent basis to be the ‘first point of contact’ for members of the public interested in learning more about our club and potential membership.  You would be required from around 10.30 a.m. but could still sail in the afternoon if desired.  Materials and information will be available for you to provide to prospective members, so all you need to bring is a big welcome and your smiling face.  Contact admin@albertsc.org.au if you are happy to be placed on  the roster or would like further information.

Cindy Tilbrook
Albert Sailing Club

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ASC Snippets 28/08/2025

By Rod Thomas | Published: August 27, 2025

Rod is currently enjoying some ‘away time’ and recently caught up with Mick Ralph on his travels.  Great to see him looking so relaxed and enjoying the company of a fellow ASC long-term member!

Saturday 30/8/2025

Saturday sees the start of our annual 3-session Bill Hooper Series (30/8, 6/9 and 20/9), in honour of the contribution of the Hooper family to the formation and early years of our club.  This will be short-course racing starting at 2 p.m. with briefing at 1.45 p.m. at ASC, and is a great way to get back in to action if you’ve been absent from sailing over the colder months.

Saturday’s weather

Chilly and showers but with good 10-16 knt breezes and no doubt, some challenging gusts.  The BBQ will be running after sailing to help you warm up with some hot food and, as usual, the bar will be open.

If you wish to check the weather prior to coming to the club, don’t forget to view current conditions via the webcam on the homepage of our website and visit the Sailing/Weather tab on the website for reports from various sites.

Last Week’s Action on the Lake

Jamie Wilson took some GoPro footage whilst out on the lake last Saturday.  please feel free to check out last week’s action here-   Jamie YouTube .

Important:  Extension of Grand Prix Closure Dates

Despite our discussions and communications with the Grand Prix Corporation, there has so far been no indication that the Victorian Government will respond to the club and community concerns about the extended GP lockout, which begins in 2026.   In order to further the campaign to reduce the lockout period, the Albert Park Sports Clubs Association has started a petition “Triple the Lockout, Triple the Harm – Defend Albert Park”.

Club members are asked to individually sign the petition as soon as possible, and this can be done online!  Further details and how to sign are provided HERE.

 Final VIODA session/Girls Camp

Image courtesy of the VIODA Facebook pageSunday afternoon sees the final Victorian Optimist class coaching session at the lake for this year.  If you haven’t taken the opportunity to see 40 to 50 Optimists from across Melbourne and some regional clubs sailing/training on our lake each week, then don’t miss the chance to visit the club to see this fantastic program in action. There are some great photos and videos on the VIODA Facebook page. Many of the sailors also competed in our recent regatta and we hope to see them all returning to us to sail as visitors in the future. (Image courtesty of the VIODA Facebook page) .

The very popular VIODA Girls Camp will be in the ASC clubrooms on Sunday 31st from 4 – 9 p.m. and we wish all the young female sailors and their Mums a fantastic evening.

Upcoming

Save the Date:  Trivia Night October 11th:   The popular ASC annual Trivia night will be hosted by new quizmaster Bettina this year and further details will be released soon. Get some friends together, come along and see if you and your team’s name will end up on our perpetual Trivia Trophy.

September 13:  ASC Spring Working Bee from 9.30. There will be a group focussing on Club Boatyard and club training boats. Otherwise tidy up of clubrooms, windows, etc.

September 13/14: City Sail Women and Girls Coaching and Racing Regatta on Albert Park Lake hosted by Albert Park Yacht Club. Further information and entries on https://www.apyc.org.au/citysail.html. ASC members wanting to use an ASC club boat or needing other assistance can contact Jaemie through sailing@albertsc.org.au.

September 21:  First aid training at the ASC clubrooms.  If you are keen to either obtain or renew your first aid qualifications, contact Jaemie via sailing@albertsc.org.au.

Be part of our ‘Meet and Greet’ team!

We are seeking a pool of volunteers to be rostered on at the club on a Saturday morning on an infrequent basis to be the ‘first point of contact’ for members of the public interested in learning more about our club and potential membership.  You would be required from around 10.30 a.m. but could still sail in the afternoon if desired.  Materials and information will be available for you to provide to prospective members, so all you need to bring is a big welcome and your smiling face.  Contact admin@albertsc.org.au if you are happy to be placed on  the roster or would like further information.

Cindy Tilbrook
Albert Sailing Club

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Thursday Snippets, 21 August

By Rod Thomas | Published: August 20, 2025

Weather forecast looks OK for club Sailing on Saturday 21st and  VIODA Optimist Winter Coaching program and Laser group sessions on sunday 22nd afternoon.
Saturday afternoon trophy race at 2pm, with 1.15 Information session and Sign on at Albert Park Yacht Club.
The Sunday afternoon Victorian Optimist class coaching session is the second last of 12 sunday afternoon sessions across the Winter months, with 40 to 50 Optimists from across Melbourne and some regional clubs each week. Albert Sailing Club has enjoyed hosting the program on the water and in our clubrooms. Most of the juniors and their boats will return to their respective clubs. Some will stay on for short course racing and City Sail regatta in September. They will also be welcome to sail as Visitors in club races at ASC in the 2025/26 season. 

Upcoming
————
Saturdays 30 August, 6 and 20 September annual Bill Hooper short race series with 2 or 3 short races in Northern half of Lake from 2pm each week. Ideal for those returning to sailing after a winter break.
Saturday 31st the annual VIODA Girls Camp will be in the ASC clubrooms from 4 – 9pm.

September 13 ASC Spring Working Bee from 9.30. There will be a group focussing on Club Boatyard and club training boats. Otherwise tidy up of clubrooms, windows, etc,

September 13/14 City Sail Women and Girls Coaching and Racing Regatta on Albert Park Lake hosted by Albert Park Yacht Club. Further information and entries on https://www.apyc.org.au/citysail.html. ASC members wanting to use an ASC club boat or needing other assistance can contact Jaemie through sailing@albertsc.org.au.

Rod Thomas
for committee and members
Albert Sailing Club

Photo : Junior Optimist fleet out on Albert Park Lake at a Coaching Session in July

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