And what a season it is shaping up to be! Minutes from the AGM will be distributed soon, but I’ll summarise some key sailing details now so you can start planning.
The big one, the nationals, has been confirmed for Neranie Sands. Racing to start with an invitation race on Sunday 7th January, then the series proper to start on Monday 8th and have two races each day, finishing on Saturday 13th. Wed 10th has been set aside as a lay day.
Tim has been working toward this venue for years so it will be good to finally make it happen. Along with Tim, we have a sub-committee comprising Mick Turton, Mark Nugent & Lindsay Auston. Mick has been doing some great groundwork, contacting both RMS & Nationals Parks to discuss the regatta. The team are also considering other arrangements, like refreshments, food, shelters & the presentation. It all sounds good. If you want to know more contact one of the sub-committee. And if you are looking to rent accommodation for the week I’d suggest do it soon. There is good affordable accommodation nearby, but if you wait until later in the year that might not be the case. The dates are set so there are no excuses.
We have also set aside Sunday 22nd October as a Neranie Sands test sail day. Not part of any official series, we are hoping to get some boats up there on this date for an informal race to check course lengths & depths, rigging facilities, etc. If you are planning on sailing in the nationals I’d suggest trying to get to this day. It will give a good indication of what to expect.
But of course there are other VS regattas in the coming season. As the host clubs are still to finalise calendars for the season, the following dates are tentative only:
- Teralba 25 November TT race
- Teralba 26 November TT race
- Hawkesbury 9 December TT & State championship race
- Hawkesbury 10 December TT & state championship race
- Sunshine 10 February TT & State championship race
- Sunshine 11 February TT & State championship race
You may notice the Vaucluse & Taree regattas are missing. Few boats were prepared to travel to these venues in the past seasons so they have been dropped from our calendar.
NORs for the TT & state series will be posted when dates are confirmed.
In the meantime don’t forget your memberships. You need to be a member to compete in VS association races (due to insurance & other requirements such as SA). Dale will only chase you later if you haven’t paid so make it easy for us & do it now. Membership fees are unchanged from last season & the forms are on the web.
Cheers
John