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Good evening Risdon Brook Radio Yacht Club Members, past members and associates,
Hasn’t the world been thrown upside down in the last few weeks. Something akin to what is spoken about the Great Depression in the late ‘20’s and ‘30’s is on us, where many generations down the line will also talk about the virus and its impact on an already struggling world economy. Your committee were hoping on continuing to host sail days into the future, but it is with much sadness that the committee resolved earlier today to cancel all sailing activities until the end of April, for reassessment at that point in time for the coming winter. We had hoped to provide an outlet for those who needed one and were comfortable with the safety measures we had planned to have in place, but with the social distancing being possible on the river bank, we could not possibly guarantee the same for any rescue boat personnel and the floating pontoon used as a control area on Wednesdays was also a real issue. On top of this, the very recently broadcast government announcement also made it impossible to abide by recommendations, so the decision was also made for us there. The decision on activities come the end of April can also only be considered if the government advice has changed for the better. This will have a massive effect on the club, as it will with so many clubs across Australia. It is a pain that we are all burdened with. There are some things that can be done while we are in a “recess” though. Our AGM is normally coming up soon. Our “year” closes 31st March and we have three months in which to have our AGM, so the committee has resolved to have the AGM, at this stage, on the last Sunday of June. Should things not improve by then, the committee will work through whatever we need to in order to push the AGM back until it is reasonable to come together as a group in a room. Once a fortnight, I hope to be able to put out a communication to everybody, just to keep everybody in touch. Many of our members are either starting yacht builds, or are mid-build as we speak. It would be fantastic if any of these people wanted to share some information in how their build was progressing, especially with some pictures. Furthermore, if there were any people with questions on how to do certain things, please pass them on to me. We have a real wealth of knowledge in the club, and I am keen on leaning on that (as well as google) to find answers to questions and pass them on to the greater audience. Anything that anyone thinks could be useful for such a publication is welcome to send what they have to me and I’ll try to get something together to distribute to the wider membership. We are hoping something like this might keep our interest alive and well, and in turn, maximise the returning sailors when we are able to return to the riverside for some sailing. Lastly, and most importantly, be safe and try to keep in tune with your own wellbeing. This is an unheard of time for the current generations, and is sure to be horribly stressful. Please seek help if you feel you are struggling. We all do at times, and someone to talk to can make a huge difference. Your committee is very keen to see all of you as soon as the sailing is safe and allowed to continue. This club is a great one, and will thrive again once we can venture out again. Kyle Stewart On behalf of Michael Hickman Commodore Risdon Brook Radio Yacht Cub
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Congrats today to Andrew Wardrop, really getting that Bantam going well on 0 net points, followed by ever-consistent Wayne Behrens on 4 points, with Paul Jewel rounding out the top three on 6 points. Great to see Paul back after some time away and sailing so well.  The Willy Weather forecast was slightly wrong for today, and a stiff southerly met the eight sailors for the DF95 Scratch today. Starting in B Rig for most, with an ill-timed change to A Rig, before changing back to B and even a C Rig for the rest of the day. Weed was only a minor issue, but the wind sorted out the sailors with their efficiency tacking, both with yachts heeled over quite a bit at times and also timing the tacks on the correct cycles between waves. A bad tack often costing 10-15m on other yachts. We unfortunately lost three skippers on the day, with Justin losing his rudder servo right at the start and Lisa with the same not long after. David also withdrew after gear failure. That said, there were also some fantastically consistent performances throughout the day. Stuart Dawes came out on top for the day, on 12 points, with a 3rd being his worst counted score. Ray Joyce was not far behind, on 16 points, with Mike Hickman rounding out the top 3, just one point back on 17 points. Wayne Behrens also was very consistent in 4th, similarly with a worst score of the entire day of 4th. Very hard to break into the top few spots with such consistency on the day. This coming Wednesday, we have our weekly IOM Handicap at MBYC, starting at 10am, and next Sunday, we have the return of the RM class with the RM Scratch Series. John will put out an email later in the week for the start time, as the tide is very unfavourable at the normal 1pm slot, so it is likely to be closer to a 10am start. This will be confirmed in due course.  A course was set in the bay for our early racing in a light northerly, but unfortunately weed was pervasive, so after a few scratch races and one handicap race, the eleven skippers took an early lunch and waited for the breeze to fill in. At 12.30 the breeze reappeared from the north, so we recommenced racing off the southern point in an ideal mid A breeze however the weed was still a problem. Boats progressively dropped out in frustration but a few battled on to complete 7 races and reaped the rewards of their persistence. The winner on the day was Phil Jackman, masterfully avoiding the weed and taking three wins from the seven races and collecting a net of 0 points. Kim Potter came in second, seven points behind, with John Hall coming in third, another 7 adrift on 14 points Hopefully better next week.  Well, what can we say – IOM Woodies take out the top three positions. Phil Jackman returning to Montrose, skilfully sailing his Idiom into first place on 20 points. Andrew Wardrop came in second just one point behind Phil and Rod Marshall also sailing very consistent coming in third on 26 points. Of note also, Chris Wood’s Woodie not placing outside the top four. Welcome back to Montrose as well, to David Jones, who showed he has lost nothing, coming in fourth place. We also had Justin Rogers returning to IOM racing, after a successful day at the DF65 event the day prior (more to come later on there). Welcome to new member, Phillip Krause, with his first day sailing with us, with the Club “A”. He will soon be a regular as well on our sailing days. Please introduce yourself to him and extend the warm RBRYC welcome. Les Hanson had the Pro hat on again today, and he set about making some good courses in the very light early air – a difficult task. A great field of thirteen skippers were sailing today – a great turnout for a Long Weekend holiday, and makes good the decision of the committee to return to Long Weekend sailing after suggestion by some members. We had stopped the Lon Weekend sailing in the past due to poor turnouts and the perceived reasons of people wanting to get away for those weekends. We got five races in before retiring to the MBYC clubrooms for a BBQ lunch and social chat. From all accounts, a very enjoyable break in proceedings and something we do need to have more often to promote the social side of the club. Thanks to my little sidekick, Ryan, for sorting out the lunch requirements and hot drinks for the sailors during the break. Lisa was also kind enough to share some of the spoils of her victory in the DF65 “Peter Smith Memorial” racing the day prior by breaking open one of her wonderful Puddleduck Red Wines for all to share. After lunch, another five races were completed, with the last a double size course from what I was told. The day – from an outside view – certainly looked very peaceful and enjoyable, and I am sure both, our returning sailors and our newest new member were all made to feel welcome throughout.    On other sailing news;
Very light conditions today at MBYC, but we all still got started on time. A small amount of weed affected a few skippers, but by large, it stayed away for us. Nine skippers made it along today, and raced very well under the difficult, light air conditions. Lisa got out a little early and adjusted the marks for us, and the freshen up acquitted us well for six of the seven races. Not much can be done when an easterly change comes through. Les Hanson expertly Pro'd the day and set out the courses with his usual ease and efficiency. Seven races were completed before we retired to the bar at 4pm. Lisa Blackwood proved most consistent in the light, fluky conditions and won on just 8 points. She was seriously challenged, with Rod Jackman coming in second, just one point behind. Yours truly took out third, on 22 points, with Andrew Wardrop sailng his new, home built, and locally designed Bantam, in fourth, on 26 points. Although a bit light with the wind, everyone enjoyed the day throughout. Thanks does need to go to Lisa for re-setting the buoys, and Les for his efforts as Pro and loaning his yacht to Stuart for the day. Coming Events Wednesday 3rd March is the return of the DF95 Mid Week Handicap. At Montrose Bay from 10am. An hour of scratch, followed by the usual eight handicap races. Sunday 8th March is Long Distance Handicap Day. It is a long weekend (and as such, no scratch racing), but we will be there at Montrose for anyone wishing to have a good sail day. A reminder that this starts at 11am as usual for Long Distance Day's. A good chance for an informal lunch time chat and discussion about the pathway for the club into the future. Your committee is always keen to hear any opinions or thoughts from members. LOST AND FOUND - There has been a wide brimmed hat and jacket left at MBYC for a little while now. We are keen to return them to their owners. If you are missing these items, please get in touch with us so we can get them returned to you.  |