Unfortunatlly all of our team has mid semester exams and essays next week so sailing this week will not be on. While it would seem that all we ever do is sail, we are students first!

Good luck to everyone with their exams and we will be back to our usual program next week.

From the 15th to the 17th of April, 9 universities represented but over 60 sailors came to Rose Bay on Sydney harbour for the first Australian University Regatta for almost 10 years. The regatta was made up of 7 races over the three days with each day’s weather very different to the previous. The event marks the re-birth of Australian university sailing which has been dramatically affected by the VSU legislation introduced in 2005.
 
 
 
 
On the first day a stiff north-westerly reached as much as 30 knots giving the 40 boat fleet much to contend with. Being a yard stick event, the fleet was made up by many classes of dinghies. The original university classes of Lasers and Tasars were the strongest classes but there were also; 29er, 49er, NS14 and NACRA 5.0 classes for variety. Unfortunately the windsurfing division did not draw many entries leaving a lone One Design board to battle it out.
 
 
 
 
After the first days racing, the majority of the competitors made their way to Cockatoo Island just west of the Harbour Bridge which provided accommodation for the interstate travellers as well as everyone else up for the experience. Camping on Cockatoo Island provides a unique solution to accommodation and some of the best views of the city.
 
Light air in the morning of the second days racing resulted in the start being delayed until the north-easterly sea breeze kicked in. Three races were listed for the day which meant courses were kept shorter. The final race of the day brought all three divisions together for a single start which provided some excitement and amusement when the Pacer and 16ft skiff lined up on the start.
 
Thursday night was the highlight of the social side of the three days with the ‘Good Time Cruises’ harbour cruise boat picking up all the competitors and a whole host of other skimpy dressed sailors from rose bay. Every aspect of the regatta took place on Sydney’s beautiful harbour leaving the only question of where else would you want to be?
 
Friday was the last day of racing which once again brought different wind conditions from the south. Racing as on all days was competitive and close at the front of the fleet which made final results hard to call. Jye Murray from MQ in a laser in the end took out the monohull single sail division closely followed by Andrew Turnbull from QUT in an Impulse. In the spinnaker/multi hull division the 29ers and 49ers were very competitive but on yardstick the 16ft skiff was on top helmed by James Ward and crewed by Alexandra Ward and Adam Minter from Wollongong Uni. The over all yardstick result went to Hugh Tait and Tegan Ryan from UTS in a NS14 who almost sailed a perfect regatta.
 
Special thanks must go the Sponsors, Zhik, Bethwaite and the Co-op Bookshop who made it possible for such an event to be held after such a long absence. Woollahra Sailing Club must also be thanked for their regatta management and for providing a fitting venue for a unique event.
 
The regatta also provided an important opportunity to discuss the future of university sailing and the future of any events. The event was hosted by the Sydney University Sailing Club which now stands as the last remaining university sailing club in NSW. Competitors from a number of other NSW universities have shown strong interest in working with their universities to re-establish clubs in their universities which can compete at future events. The number of active clubs after the 2005 VSU legislation is actually very low. The clubs that were able to make it were ANU and QUT. QUTs participation was dependent on their access to trailers for the transportation of their boats from Brisbane. Special thanks must there for go to the Queensland Impulse Association who allowed the use of their trailer. The ANU Sailing Club has probably been the most consistent of the university sailing clubs since the introduction of VSU. While the club has faced significant challenges the club still remains strong.
 
To continue the development of Australian university sailing, a Teams Racing event will be hosted by ANU later in the year. This event will take place in Tasar Dinghies which after much consideration will remain as a university class for the future.
 
Australian University Sailing may of experience a bit of a decline but now it is very much on the rebound. Australia has a history of producing some amazing sailors which means there is no excuse for struggling university clubs. University sailing in the US and Europe carries much respect as it once did in Australian more than a decade ago so there is no reason why it cant be restored to its former glory.
 
If you would like to read more about Australian University Sailing or the Sydney Uni Sailing Club go to http://www.usydsailing.com

Thank you to everyone who joined the regatta and or any of the social events that took place over the regatta. There will be a full regatta report up soon but for now here are the results.

Everything is now in place for the first Australian University Regatta to take place for almost 10 years. In true student style there has been a late rush for entries and social payments which means there will be a strong fleet representing 8 universities.
 
Late entries can still take place on Wednesday morning during registration and tickets for the harbour cruise will be on sale up until Thursday night.
For those who are camping on Cockatoo Island, there will be a group getting the ferry from pier 5 at 4:48pm this evening which will give time to setup tents in the light. We will have an evening bbq from around 8pm. The camp site area on the island will be on the east side so once you get off the ferry go to the left.
 
The weather is looking good so it should be an amazing 3 days!
 
Look forward to meeting you all.

We'll be performing vital repairs to our fleet this saturday, as well as training of our event co-ordinators, in preparation for the regatta next week. Regular sailing is off. Apologies.
 
Have a great easter weekend!

Attached is the regatta Schedule. With this you can see exctly what you will be doing and when.
Reminder again to get your entry forms in by the end of today to save your self $20!

The Co-op Book shop has signed as a sponsor for the 2009 Australian University Regatta. The Co-op book shop for many students is best known for its long lines at the beginning of semester but now we can say they are a supporter of Australian University Sailing. Thank you for your support. Shop at the Co-op Book Shop!!

As entries come in for the regatta one error has been highlighted in regards to the regatta fee. The cost is $80 per person not per boat. For this price it is important to remember that you recieve 5 bbq/brunch meals so it still remains amazing value.
As time gets close, dont forget to get your entries in. This also applies for the social program which also has a very close deadline.

We are proud to announce that Zhik will be one of the 2009 Australian University Regatta's sponsors. Zhik is a supplier of sailing gear and is internationally regarded as being one of the top companies in the industry. Zhiks has very kindly offered to supply the majority of the prizes for the various divisions in the regatta.
 
Once again we would like to thank Zhik for supporting the 2009 Australian University Regatta.

- Harbor Cruise Party (The Night of the 16th, departing from Rose Bay at 7.30PM)
- Camping (Cockatoo Island, on the nights 14th 15th & 16th)
 
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Harbor Cruise (Dress Code: ”Let's Get Naughty-cal!")
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On the night of Thursday the 16th of April, we will be having a fabulous cruise on Sydney Harbor! This is the highlight of the social program and tickets will be available very shortly - details to follow.
 
The boat will leave from Rose Bay for an extended cruise around the harbor. At its conclusion, it will drop off the non-campers at King St. Wharf and campers on Cockatoo Island.
 
Departure time is 7.30pm, and we will be meeting at Woollhara Sailing Club at 7pm and to walk around to the bay together.
 
There will be a group leaving from Fisher Library to bring all non-competitors to Rose Bay.
 
Tickets are $35 and this INCLUDES UNLIMITED ALCOHOL AND PIZZA!
 
Music is going to be awesome (IM ON A BOAT, I am Sailing, will feature, among others), the view will be spectacular and when added to all of this our funky theme, will not fail to produce a kick-ass time!
 
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Cockatoo Island CAMPING
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The second feature of the regatta is in regard to accommodation which will be on Cockatoo Island. The camping pack starts from the night of the 14th so that everyone who is coming from interstate has somewhere to stay and so we can begin the party.
 
The payment for camping also includes a ticket for the harbor cruise. The cost will be $105 which also includes water taxi travel between Cockatoo Island and WSC each day except the first morning (15th) which will be done via public ferry.
 
*Tents/sleeping bags are not provided so make sure you bring your own (or find someone to share with )*
 
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Payment Details
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Option 1: Harbor Cruise (Let's Get Nauty-cal!) = $35
 
Tickets for the cruise can be purchased separately and are open to the general public. Bring your friends! They’ll love partying with hot sailor guys and girls!
 
If you are at Sydney University, there will be a stall at Manning House, where cash will be accepted. Stall details will be released soon.
 
Option 2: Accommodation + Transport + Harbor cruise (total social pack) = $105
 
DEADLINE FOR THIS OPTION IS THE 10TH OF APRIL
 
Camping fees, transportation to and from Cockatoo island and the cruise are offered together at the price of $105!
 
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Payment Method
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Payment for both of these options can be done via a bank transfer at your own bank to the club account, at any Commonwealth Bank in Cash (our bankers, KEEP YOUR RECIPIET) or via internet banking with the same result.
 
If you are purchasing the harbor cruise ticket, it can be collected on the day or during regatta registration on the morning of the 15th.
 
As mentioned above, we will also be offering sales of the cruise tickets at a on-campus stall!
 
PUT YOUR FULL NAME IN THE "TO DESCRIPTION" OR YOUR PAYMENT WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.
 
ONCE YOU HAVE PROCESSED THE TRANSACTION, EMAIL usydsailing@gmail.com WITH THE NAME SUPPLIED IN THE DESCRIPTION, AMOUNT TRANSFERED (which option), TIME/DATE OF PAYMENT
 
Name: SU Sailing At Sydney Society
BSB: 062-284
Account Number: 1032-7859
Bank: Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Branch: University of Sydney
 
Once you have done all that, Join our event on facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=70995300718

---------------------DEADLINE FOR OPTION 2 IS THE 10TH OF APRIL------------------------

With only two weeks to go, the final preparations are being made to ensure that the first Australian University Regatta for almost ten years is a success. Commitments have been made by seven universities with an additional two finalising on their logistics. The Regatta from the 15th to the 17th of April will bringing together university representative from around the country and signal the re-establishment of University Sailing in Australia. While the US and Europe have thriving university competition, Australians has dwindled to a small number of clubs with limited or no interaction but this is all about to change.
 
One of the main features of the regatta is that it will take place under a yard stick system that ensures that any boat or windsurfer can compete under varying divisions that take into account the size and type of boats or windsurfer. As a result the event has something for everyone and is the reason why the turn out to this inaugural event is expected to be so high. Queensland University of Technology are planning to bring both mono hulls and a multi hull while ANU and ADFA are planning to bring a fleet of Envys as well as some of the more traditional university classes such as Lasers, Tasars and Sharpie. From the universities that no longer have their own university clubs, the focus will be on performance in the form of; 470s, 49er’s and the alike. While the main fleet may be based around sailing dinghies, windsurfers also have their place. The UNSW windsurfing club will bring a fleet of boards to ensure there is something for everyone. The Regatta will be like no other, the versatility of the yard stick system means that the event can be inclusive of everyone.
 
The other most significant aspect of the event is the ‘social side’ and it does not look like it’s going to be a let down. For those coming from interstate and everyone else who just want to join in on the fun, the majority of the competitors will camp on Cockatoo Island, just west of the harbour bridge. Each day everyone will then make their way up the harbour to Woollahra Sailing Club where two races a day will take place on Rose Bay. The peak of the social aspect of the event will be on Thursday (16th) night, ‘nautical themed’ harbour cruise. The cruise will be open to both competitors and the general public with full ticket details to be released soon via the Sydney University Sailing Club website & facebook group.
 
As time marches on it is an important to add that a late fee applies after the 8th of April so get your entries in soon. An Australian University Regatta may have been a miss in recent years but will be no longer!
 
Go to 2009 Uni Regatta page for race and entry form + join the facebook event at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=70995300718#/event.php?eid=6079181...

If you've had a busy week and need to relax on the harbour, join us from 11am at Woolhara Sailing Club. We will follow the same program as last week and get a few boats out for the day. Last week we managed 5 Lasers and a Tasar, which was a first and ensured no one was wanting for an opportunity to sail.
 
The weather will be slightly overcast in the morning, but don't let this put you off, it will clear up around noon along with a slight pickup in the wind.
 
Hope to see you on the water!

Thanks to everyone who came down on Saturday for the sail. We had six boats out so everyone had plenty of time on the water. We will be doing the same this coming Saturday, weather permitting. Another reminder to everyone to join our Facebook group which we use to get an idea of numbers for events. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6730980207
 
Sailing School – Friday 27th
 
First, Congratulations to our first group has completed the level one course. By the end of the day, each boat was sailing without the instructors with one boat even getting the spinnaker up. To celebrate the group went out for Best Thai to do it in style. The Wednesday group will be finished this week as well so hope you have a good final session.
 
Level 1
 
The next level 1 course will begin this coming Friday the 27th. The program will follow the same format as the previous group, Starting from 4pm down at Woollahra Sailing Club. Sign up for one of the 12 spots for this course is now open. The course covers YA/RYA Start Sailing or level one qualification and will cost $298.00. The course will take place over three consecutive Fridays (27th to 10th). Each session will include around 30 minutes of sail theory followed by 2 hours of on the water training where the theory becomes reality. The intensive program will introduce students to the language of sailing while on the water students will be given the opportunity handle the dinghies and get use to the sail controls.
The course will start from 4pm down at Woollahra Sailing Club in Rose Bay, (Vickery Avenue, NSW 2029). It will be important to bring, clothes that can get wet (ie. rash top, leggings, board shorts etc), shoes that can get wet (ie. booties, crocs, reef shoes etc), towel and warm clothes for after. There are hot showers which will be available.
 
To register, send an email with your name, student number and contact details to sail@woollahrasailingclub.org.au The first 12 to respond to this request will receive a confirmation email to say they have a spot for Wednesday. We will try to update the website as soon as possible to say the course is full.
Payment for the course can be made on arrival at the club either via cash or card.
 
Level 2
 
For those who have completed the level 1 course the option to go onto the level 2 course is now open. The level 2 course will reinforce the skills learnt in the level 1 course while introducing more advanced sail trim and handling techniques to improve control/stability. The program like the level one course will take place over three consecutive Fridays. The cost of the level two courses will be $235.00.
 
To register email sail@woollahrasailingclub.org.au with the same details as the level 1 course.
 
To complete any of the courses you do not need to be a member of the club.

We'll be down at Woolhara from 10:30am this Saturday. Please don't hesitate to contact us via facebook if you're not sure about public transport etc.
 

For the luck few who were the first to get their deposits in for the trip north, it was a weekend to remember with great weather, food, drink, relaxing, surfing, windsurfing and most importantly sailing and people. Most of the group gathered down at WSC to load boats onto the club trailer for the short 4 hour trip north which was an adventure all on its own. As with all road trips, getting lost is a must! Special reference should go to the car that managed to extend their journey time by 40 minutes due to ‘an old GPS’ and then almost running out of fuel in the middle of the national park with no mobile phone reception. Once everyone arrived, the tents were ‘quickly’ setup before the group began to get to know each other around a fire on 7 mile beach into the early hours of the morning.
 
Even at this early point of the weekend, the feeling in the camp was positive. The drive may of take a long time but now everyone was there, they were there to enjoy them selves. ________________________________________________________________________________________

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
On Saturday morning, the usual die hard surfers went in search of the best local breaks while the rest of the tent city had breakfast and began to prepare for the day of sailing and windsurfing ahead. The local sailing club on Wallis Lake provided the best access and relaxation spot for everything to take place. The boats and windsurfers were quickly rigged and the short introductions to each completed. As the day went on, everyone got to get out on the lake and enjoy the fruit of the long drive broken up by regular eating, socialising and sunning.
Saturday evening, a BBQ feast was prepared by the usual crack cooks from the UNSW windsurfing club that ensured the perfect end to a beautiful day. Some how from here someone started a weird Chinese whispers, circle of love thing (refer to photos) that was ‘entertaining’? The traditional weekend toasts were made with everyone contributing their best moment of the weekend so far. After this, everyone made their way down to the beach for another fire under the moon.
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Sunday followed in much the same way until early afternoon when a fun race was organised between UNSW and USYD where by everyone could show off their skills. I regret to note that UNSW did win the race but the way in which they did this may be questioned! Around 5pm the boats and windsurfers were packed up and preparation for the return trip began.
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While everything above may seem like a complete cliché, the weekend and the weather was quite perfect. Special thanks must to the UNSW windsurfing club for their major contribution to the purchase of the food as well as the cooking of the fine dinner on Saturday night. Thanks must also go to Johnson who spent a large amount of time organising the financial side to ensure the money was in the right place when it was needed. Last but not least, thank you to all the members who joined us and contributed to making it a great weekend. The next weekend trip will most likely take place over the weekend of the 4th of April but keep you eye out for more information closer to the date.