Newsletter of the Queen Charlotte Yacht Club
November 2010
Club Sailing
We have been fortunate with the weather so far this season and haven't lost any days through adverse conditions. Fingers crossed for it to continue.
Starling Coaching Weekend
The Starling sailors want to pass on their thanks to the Sailing Committee for organising this informative and interesting weekend event. The sailors learnt a lot about how to set up their boats to get the best performance from them. They were very impressed with Ian Neely,their coach for the weekend, and would welcome him back any time. A big thank-you to Ian and Jenny Fyfe and Richard and Ange Gifford for looking after the coach and keeping the event low cost.
Subs reminder
December 1st is the cutoff date for sailors wishing to sail, who haven't yet paid their QCYC membership fees. The club has the facility to take progress payments from anyone having trouble paying the amount in full up front. See Derek Anderson if you want to make such an arrangement. Otherwise, sorry, no pay no sail.
Learn- to -sail courses
These are scheduled for December 18, 19 and 20 (Course 3) and January 5, 6 and 7 (Course 4). There are limited spaces on these courses, but contact Ian Gardiner ( 578-4107) if you or someone you know is interested.
Opti sailors look out for news of some coaching days over the summer holidays dedicated to helping you set up and trim your boats for improved performance, (similar to what the Starling sailors had).
Huria's Starling
Huria McLaren-Davies, this year's recipient of the Borrie Family Trust Award, has put the money to good use and bought a Starling. Phil Chandler, one of our QCYC Patrons has helped Huria prepare the boat for sailing and she is now on the water and learning the ropes. Go Huria!
75th Anniversary Preparations
Diane Smith has booked the Waitohi Rugby Club rooms for the QCYC 75th Anniversary dinner to be held on Opening Weekend next season, (Saturday, September 24, 2011) Diary these dates - September 23, 24, 25, for the Anniversary celebrations.
From the Social Convener
* Remember to bring along your food items to go in the Xmas raffle. Maree would like these by December 11.
* Is there any interest in buying Xmas cakes from the club? Maree needs to know ASAP so these can be made.
* Any Christmas decorations which are surplus to requirements would be gratefully received at the club so it can be decorated for the Christmas Party weekend. Also by the 11th would be appreciated.
* Maree has requested that people RSVP re the Christmas barbecue on December 18th. Steak meals will be $15 and sausage meals, $5. (Phone 579 1338)
Member Activities and Events
# Nelson/ Marlborough Regional Champs
It was great to see so many QCYC sailors on the waters of Nelson Harbour and Tasman Bay for this event. In challenging conditions our sailors performed well. QCYC took the top three places in the Opti Open, Green and Rainbow fleets, with Taylor Burn, Troy Gratton and Henry Gibbs taking line honours. Our sailors also took two of the top three places in the strong Starling fleet. Jason Anderson took line honours in the Lasers and Alastair Gifford in the P Class. Alastair is to be the QCYC representative at the Tanner Cup P Class Champs.
# North Island Optimist Champs
Sailed in mid-November, QCYC was represented by seven sailors, Taylor Burn, Hamish Clark, Alastair Gifford and Callum Radford in the Open Optimists and Nico van Beek, Troy Gratton and Nicholas Gardiner in the Green Optis.
Taylor sailed consistently in a variety of conditions to win the Open Optimist Championships convincingly, while the others all finished in the top 50 of the 137 strong fleet.
In the Green fleet, Nico took 7th place with Troy and Nicholas 11th and 23rd respectively.
#A Class Catamaran and Paper Tiger 2010 S I Champs
Kevin Smith, sailing under the QCYC banner, attended this regatta recently. Unfortunately a ripped sail saw his regatta finish early. Still it would be good to catch up with your mates Kevin. Better luck next year!
# Starling Match Racing Champs
This event is to be held in Napier prior to the Starling Nationals in early January. As top QCYC Starling sailor this season, Rachael Clark will be our representative.
Taylor
Taylor Burn is right now in Port Dickson about to sail the Malaysian National Optimist Champs in preparation for the World Champs in Langkawi at the end of December. Our best wishes for a successful regatta Taylor.
Cheers,
Allison
