From the Editor.....

It's been six months since our last newsletter. My apologies, but work has kept me busy and away from home quite a bit, so there is quite a lot to catch up on! The major item for attention is the upcoming Prize Giving on May 22. See details in this issue and we look forward to seeing you there.

Di Pearson

Commodore's Report April 2004

What a great season it has been! Yacht numbers are up, Laser numbers are up and the club is being used more and more by members on days other than race days, which can only help drink sales. The new barbecue is getting plenty of use, especially after the twilight sailing on Fridays.

I would like to extend thanks on behalf of the Club to Bunny and John, our fearless starting boat crew, who turn up every week to fulfill a duty that is vital to the operation of the club. They have adapted to the new starting procedure very well and the starting line melee is a thing of the past with the lasers going off first,

Our indispensable Chef Extraordinaire', Tony Muir is running the cooking and catering functions in his usual efficient style and we look forward to another treat on presentation night. Some members may object to the security locks in the kitchen, but it is necessary to keep some stores and utensils under lock and key.

Doug Cameron has had the unenviable job of Handicapper, a task that should be basic training for anyone about to enter the diplomatic service. The sign of a good handicapper is when everyone whinges about the results, except when they win. Another is when the Club championship is decided on the last race, and that decision is, I believe, a dead-heat!

During the year we bought new chairs, and we are looking for new tables to retire the present items that are fading fast.

I also extend my thanks to the committee for their work through the season, especially Rex and Tinka in keeping the boats in order.

Keeping the club clean is an on-going task that requires the co-operation of both members and their guests to ensure that the clubroom is left clean as well as the kitchen. Although we employ professional cleaners on a regular basis, members are expected to pull their weight as well. Thanks to Graham Read and Lori Bell in this regard.

Your Commodore,
Bob Hearn.

Presentation Night

May 22, 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Book before May 10 for catering purposes. Di Pearson is the booking agent and bookings are confirmed by receipt of money only. $40 per head, half price for children under 12 and well worth it! Complimentary drink on arrival, otherwise BYOG.

Di's Phone for any enquiries: 9388 7182, otherwise, mail your payment to Di , cheques made out to VYC, detailing names, whose table you would like to be seated at.

If you have some time free, we would appreciate any help with setting the room up on the day. Tony Muir and Di will be there from 10.00am and help required from then until around 12.30pm - the more who front, the faster we get it done. Also looking for volunteers for clean-up the next day, including removing hire tables. Any help would be appreciated.

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Working Bee

Unfortunately, the working bee had to be re-scheduled due to bookings at our Club.
Have no fear though, we have re-scheduled for May 15th.

Some new faces would be appreciated as the old ones are wearing thin and out!

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A.G.M.

Don't forget the date to elect your preferred committee and office bearers is fast approaching and lobbying opportunities are fast fading. So get active, and start looking for a new Commodore, as the present incumbent is standing down. (So he thinks). Again, new blood would be appreciated - get active in your club. We are all busy, but we make time. It is important.

Twilight Races

Through February and March the Club ran a series of casual twilight 'races' with a barbecue afterwards. The races drew up to four yachts and were very well received. So the concept will be carried on next year.

The 'race' format was designed to have a reaching course that would depend on the prevailing wind. The lead boat does a 'U'-turn after 30 minutes sailing and all others follow suit. This, theoretically, makes for an exciting finish and it's easy to see who is sandbagging.

International 5.5 Metre Class regatta

Vaucluse Yacht Club will be hosting the Australian Championship (Gold and Silver Cups), to select a National representative for the world 5.5 Metre Scandinavian Cup in June/July. The selection regatta will be held on Saturday's April 24 and May 1. This club will be represented by at least three entries, 'Barragoola', 'Antares and 'Jabiru'. Competition is expected to be fierce, with some internationally recognised sailors expected to take part. We wish our Vaucluse skippers all the best of luck. Refer to the website www.5point5.org for more information.

Results - May Newsletter

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Club Security

A sad indictment of life in the 21st century, thieves entered the club during racing two weeks ago and made off with at least $1000 in cash and several mobile phones etc. from the Gents change room. Also a dinghy was taken from the deck the night before and another dinghy taken from the mooring belonging to 'Lucy.

In future the doors will be locked and the drawbridge raised while races are in progress, unless someone is in the club. The front door will be fitted with a door closer and locks fitted to the change room doors. We ask all members to co-operate and make sure they lock up if last in the club, being it during racing or outside race days when using your Club. Also, when leaving the Club, make sure you turn out all the lights.

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Rough Water swim

The annual Bondi to Watsons Bay Roughwater swim was a great success and apart from a few stingers, everyone had a great day. We received a lovely thank you letter from John Fallon in relation to being able to use our club at the end of the swim.

Yacht hull cleaning

Several yachts are being cleaned at regular intervals by a hull-cleaning contractor. It has been suggested that if all interested yacht owners get their act together and approach the contractors to do a 'mass scrub' on a predetermined schedule, we will all benefit from economies of scale. The club boats could also be cleaned at the same time.

Contact Bob Hearn if you wish to co-ordinate this facility and save some money.

Club Keys

Under no circumstance are members to lend their Club key to anyone, including their own family members.

Club members MUST accompany their guests into our Club at all times.

Laser Dinner

To be held at 'Benjerong' Thai restaurant, Oxford St, Bondi Junction. (Corner. Vernon St.,) in July at 700pm for 7.30 pm. Bring your partner along for a fun night.

RSVP to Lori Bell on 0414 313484 by the last week of June.

Winter Racing

Our popular winter racing for yachts is on again, so come and join in the fun on the last Saturday of every month, starting at the end of this month.

If any Laser sailors would like to learn how to sail properly, they can join us. Just turn up at the club on the day, or choose your skipper and speak with him.

Club Activities

It is a while since we had any special events at our club, due to cost affectivity and effort involved for the few and usual suspects to organise, set up and clean up.

However, if any member can think of any particular function/event they would like to see happen at our club that would also help raise some extra funds for VYC, please let Di Pearson know.

Charles Sparrow passes away

Charles Sparrow, the man who took the original VJ (Vaucluse Junior) and re-designed and built them, passed away on the NSW North Coast on Wednesday April 17. He was 97 years old.

According to friends who attended the Vaucluse Yacht Club 'Old Buffers Night' last year, Charles was one of the most innovative men of his time, invaluable to the VJ class, its promotion and upgrade. He was unable to attend the night as he was in frail health, but sent his warm regards to everyone there and asked about his various old mates.

He was around pre, during and after the war years, where life changed so much for many people, including sailors, due to long wharves being built and netting put up to stop submarines entering our Harbour. Sailing races became difficult, but it never stopped Charles and others from doing what they loved best.

Despite the harshness of wartime, Vaucluse Yacht Club kept going and Charles was a much loved member there, helping many understand the intricacies of VJ sailing and always looking for ways to make the boat faster.

He will be remembered and our sympathies go to his family.

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Contributions to Newsletter

If you have anything you would like to air in the newsletter at any time,
contact Di Pearson on 9388 7182 or email: nautical3@bigpond.com.