Season Opening

Its almost summer and our new 2020/2021 sailing season starts with a bang on Sunday the 18th of October.

Our Sabot, Flying 11 and Cherub classes will be lining up off Watsons Bay to start their campaigns for the 2020/2021 Titles. There has been a few boats getting in some pre season training over the past few weeks and now is the time to tune your boat and your skills.

The days are getting warmer and daylight saving starts in 2 weeks so there is no excuse.

Our Covid Safe plan is in place for your safety. You can review it here before you come down and sign in.

Sign up, come on down and get on the water. Register here and let us know what you want to achieve this summer. We cater for all ages and skill levels. We are looking for experienced sailors to skipper and crew Flying 11s and Cherubs as well as Sabots, PJs and Pacers. Which one suits you?

We look forward to seeing @va12sc.

Pre Season Working Bee

With the new season fast approaching we will be preparing the club with our annual pre season working bee. This year with Covid we are spreading things out over the next 2 weekends. There will be a list of works at the door so you can check it out, pick a task, and get it done at a time that suits you.

If you can help then please email sailing@va12sc.org.au or just come on down and let us know what you can do and the best time for you.

The club will be open during the warmer hours on both weekends so we hope to see you down there.

Sabot Race Training - October Holidays

We have the opportunity to run a specialist Sabot race training course coached by Miles Davey, Australian national champion & Australian team representative in the 29-er. You can read Miles’ Australian team bio here and see him being interviewed with his sailing partner Henry Larkings here

To make this course happen we need 6 sailors to register. If you are interested please email Sally Badger who is coordinating: sarahbadger@gmail.com

October Holiday Camps - book now!

We’ve had a lot of interest in our October holiday camps. If you’re thinking about signing up your kids we recommend you do it ASAP to avoid missing out.

A tip from previous camps (especially if this is your kids first sailing camp) - try to get one or two of their friends to sign up with them. The moral support they get from each other goes a long way and always results in more fun!

Book here.

Slipway & Winch Maintenance

This Sunday afternoon (12th September) the slipway winch will be decommissioned for annual maintenance. The slipway will be out of action for the following week, aiming to be operational the following weekend.

Lock in your complimentary clubhouse booking (members only)

This year we’ve introduced a new benefit for members: Provided you’ve paid your annual membership fees you’re entitled to book the clubhouse for a BBQ on a Friday or Saturday afternoon up til 8pm (subject to availability).

Please contact the Secretary to make your booking. Premium dates (Christmas Day, New Year's etc) will be auctioned separately to raise funds for the club.

If you need to renew your membership please click here.

Adventure Sailing

This season we are trialling a new addition to our Sunday morning program: Adventure Sailing.

Recognising that there are plenty of kids who enjoy sailing but who aren’t ready or are not interested in joining the Race Fleet, we are introducing an Adventure Sailing program on Sunday mornings. To participate kids needs to have completed Start Sailing 1 & 2 or equivalent. The sessions will last approximately two hours. They can use their own boat or a club PJ (subject to availability). The group will be overseen by a coach, but the focus will be on having fun versus completing AS qualifications.

Reflecting the lighter touch coaching this course will be charged at $295 per term.

Book here

Holiday Camps Filing Fast

It seems that everyone’s ready to get out on the harbour! The October Holiday Camps are filling very nicely, definitely helped by recent coverage on Ella’s List. If you are thinking about registering your kids we encourage you to get their names down early to avoid disappointment.

Dates

28th Sep - 2 Oct 2020 (choose 5,4 or 3 day camp)

6th Oct - 9th Oct 2020 (choose 4 or 3 day camp)

Full details and link to booking here.

October Holiday Camps

With the spring holidays a few weeks away, we’ve opened up bookings for our October holiday camps.

The holiday camps are a great way for new families and kids to try sailing before they commit to joining our Sunday morning program in Term 4. Or for kids in the Sailing School to hone their skills - and have a lot of fun - whilst Mum and Dad are busy working (potentially from home these days). Running from 8.30am - 4pm they are a full day and they are of course drop and go, unlike the Sunday morning program.

Full details and link to booking available here. Please share with friends who may be interested - this is an important pathway to attract new sailors to our club.

With a few more senior kids in the club this year, we have the option to put on an advanced program with a dedicated coach if we have enough takers. If this is of interest please email Jules Hall.

Flying 11 Training - Sat 5th September

Simon Nearn is organising a Flying 11 training day this Saturday. Rigging at 11.45am for 1pm splash.

We have four new teams joining the fleet this year. And we still have a couple of boats available if others want to join in. If you’re interested please email Simon Nearn or call on 0405 585 314.

Membership Renewals & Term 4 Registration

Further to the Treasurer’s recent communications, membership renewals are now due for the 2020/21 season:

Welcome to the 2020/21 sailing season in 7 steps. 


It is that time of year again to pay the membership fees for the sailing club before the season commences. The fees have not increased since last year. There is an additional benefit that all members can book the club for a Friday or Saturday once a year without charge. Please pay your fees now. All fees must be paid by Sunday 4 October at the latest. If you have not paid by this date you will be unable to race and if you have a boat in the shed, it will be removed and sold. If you do not want to renew membership please email Ian Manovel ( and h will remove your details from our member database. If you are a Kambala Sailing School Junior Member, Ian will contact you separately. If you want to rent or buy a boat please email Ian Manovel. 


Step 1
To pay your fees click here.  First select your membership category e.g. Family, Individual or Associate. Note that Associate Membership is for non-sailing members who want to be social members. If you have a child sailing you must pay 'Family Membership'. Make sure to include the names of all family members who will access the club. We require this for insurance and for Covid safety. 


Step 2
Select boat storage type if you keep a boat at the club, if not skip this step.  


Step 3 
Select coaching fees for the course each of your children are attending e.g. 'Sunday' for beginners (who are not racing) or 'Race Fleet' (for more experienced sabot sailors who have their race fee included in their course fee) click here  


Step 4
If you skipped Step 3 select 'Race Fee' now. All sailors racing must pay the race fee. This includes uncoached Sabots, Flying 11 and Cherubs. 


Step 5
Select 'Holiday Camps' if you would like to book a camp during the holidays, if not skip this step.  


Step 6 
Enter your payment details. 


Step 7
Once your payment lands in the sailing club bank account I will update the membership database. If you have paid the incorrect amount I will call you to fix the payment.  Your membership is now paid until 31 May 2021.  Well done. 


If you have any questions regarding the payment or the sailing program please contact Ian Manovel (Treasurer) on 0415 848 430.

Sabot Winter Training - Sunday 23rd August

We are pleased to be holding our 2nd Zone sabot training in the winter series at VA12SC.

We have organised experienced coaches to train all levels of sailors attending.

The day is scheduled to start at 9am.  Please be rigged and dressed by 9.30am ready for a briefing.  There will be a morning and afternoon training session and a lunch break.  We expect to be finished at around 4 – 4.30pm.

Due to Covid19 restrictions we will be training in smaller groups and need to limit the number of people at the VA12SC clubhouse.

Please bring your own lunch and drinks.  Due to Covid19 restrictions we will not be supplying morning/afternoon tea or lunch.

Public Bathrooms and showers are available at Gibson Beach kiosk.  Numbers are very limited at the VA12SC changing rooms.  We recommend all sailors come to the training already dressed.

Cost of the Training is $40 per boat.

If entering more than 1 boat, PLEASE complete a seperate booking request for each boat.

Any attendees and parents will be required to abide by Public Health Orders in place at the time and the Covid19 plan of the SNSWSSA and VASC.  You will receive a copy of the Covid19 Plan for this training beforehand.

Please note this is SNSWSSA hosted event and registration of the boat with the Zone for the 2020/21 season is required prior to attending. Click here to register. 

Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Sabot Sailing – Serious Fun!

Sabot Association - Winter Training 25 - 26 July

The NSW Sabot Association is holding a winter training camp at Drummoyne Sailing Club over the weekend o25-26 July. Event details and registration is available here.

VA12SC’s head coach, Adele Phillips, will be one of the coaches.

To participate in the event all attendees will need to pay their annual SNSWSSA boat registration

The NSW Sabot Association AGM will be held at 10am at DSC on Sunday 26th July and all association members are encouraged to attend.

2020 AGM

The Annual General Meeting was held at 6.30pm on Wednesday 15th July, and for the first time in the club’s 94 year history it was a Zoom affair.

The technology played ball and the meeting ran smoothly. The Commodore’s report is available to read here

Thank you to all who attended and a big thank you to all our members and volunteers for your ongoing efforts to make our club such a special place.

Club Committee - 2020/21

Commodore - Robert Ugarte

Vice-Commodore - Jules Hall

Rear Commodore - Alex Badger

Club Captain - David O’Loughlin

Treasurer - Ian Manovel

Secretary - Ian Hedges

General Committee Members

Martin Walsh

James Hammermaster

Class Representatives

Cherub Class Rep - Ombeline Even

Flying 11 Class Rep - Simon Nearn

Sabot Class Rep - Alex Badger

Annual General Meeting - Virtual

Wednesday, 15th July 2020, 6.30pm.

Annual General Meeting - Virtual

Our Annual General Meeting will take place virtually on Wednesday 15th July at 6.30pm.
IMPORTANT: Due to COVID-19 restrictions the meeting will be held virtually and a Zoom link will be provided to enable you to join the meeting.
NOTE: Our Annual Report containing our Financial Statements will be published shortly.
 

Please find AGM agenda below:
*****************************************************************************************
NOTICE is hereby given that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the members of the VAUCLUSE AMATEUR 12FT SAILING CLUB is to be held virtually 6.30pm, Wednesday 15th July, 2020.
 
BUSINESS
 

1. Adoption of the minutes of the previous General Meeting

1. Receive and consider the Commodore’s Report

1. Receive and consider the Treasurer’s Report

1. Receive and consider the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st May 2020

1. To elect Officeholders. In accordance with the Club’s Constitution all Officeholders shall retire at the Annual General Meeting. The following positions are therefore open for election:

• Commodore

• Vice Commodore

• Rear Commodore

• Club Captain

• Treasurer

• Secretary

• General Committee Members 

We welcome new Committee Members, if you are able to assist please send your expression of interest to Ian Hedges, Club Secretary at ian.hedges@hanson.com.au

COVID 19 Update

It is great to see that a few members were able to get out on the water last weekend. This weekend looks like it may deliver some enjoyable conditions also.

On the whole the rules were followed well, although it appears that not everyone received or adhered to the new rules. The committee asks you all to please make sure that whoever enters the club, either member or guest or contractor, by land or water, day or night, completes the checklist and signs the conformance and waiver. It is imperative that we follow the rules and do not jeopardise the enjoyment and convenience for all members.

We ask that all entry doors are closed and locked behind you upon entry. If you are waiting for others who do not have a key then please ask them to call you when they arrive and unlock the door for them.

The committee has decided to introduce a “one strike “ rule such that any member found to be not adhering will receive one chance, and repeat offenders will have to return their keys until the current rules are relaxed. It sounds harsh I know, however, we can not accept that one member risks the amenity that we are all now free to enjoy.

Don’t forget to clean all surfaces and areas that you touched or used before you leave. We have organised for our cleaners to complete a deep clean weekly on a Monday, however, all users are expected to clean the club before they leave.

Thank you all for your understanding and diligence.

Don’t forget……LIVE SLOW AND SAIL FAST!

Return to Sailing.

I am happy to announce some very good news for our members, sailing is back on!

We have been informed that we are able to open the club house for sailing however there are strict guidelines and protocols to be followed to ensure everyone remains healthy and safe.

The emphasis from Australia Sailing is “Get in, sail and get out” and to only have a maximum of 10 people in the club house at any one time. 

When you arrive at the club you will see signs with the number limits for all areas, social distancing and good hygiene.  You will also find on a table just inside the entrance a “COVID-19 Club Use Check List” which needs to be completed by every member each time they access the club for sailing.  There is also an attendance register for you to complete so that anyone else who arrives can see how many people are currently using the club house.  It’s highly unlikely however if there are already 10 people in the club please wait until they are out on the water or leave the club before you enter.

You can download and complete a copy of the “COVID-19 Club Use Check List” here prior to arriving at the club.

It’s up to all of us to follow these steps to ensure we can keep sailing and stay safe.

I would like to thank our committee for their hard work in developing this plan , rules and checklist to ensure your security. Please ensure that you respect these protocols and ENJOY YOUR SAILING!

Covid 19 Update

We hope this email finds you well and that you are managing with the new norms that have been bestowed upon us all in these strange times.

The committee have been working hard to navigate through the legislation and advice that has been communicated to us from the various authorities. Our primary objective is in keeping our members safe and well. However, now that Australia has stayed afloat through the initial risk stage and that some restrictions are being relaxed, the committee are dedicated to continue with the goal of opening the club again and allowing all of our members to get out on the water in a safe manner as soon as practically possible.

The signs coming through this week are positive and we are all optimistic that we will be back sailing shortly. We will send out an email soon confirming the clubs Covid policies, procedures and .plan to bring the club back to normal.as soon as we can. Thank you for your understanding.

All the best, and ,stay safe..

Free Australian Sailing Courses

As a club we have a heavy reliance on our (parent!) volunteers. Whilst some of our volunteers have lots of sailing and boating experience, others have less experience. But fear not, Australian Sailing is coming to our rescue…

Australian Sailing are running their Club Race Officer and Club Equipment Auditor courses as online seminars moving forwards. The seminars are being run free of charge to assist clubs during these challenging times.

Club Race Officer Course

This course is aimed at people who have a keen interest in sailing and want to participate in another facet of the sport. Those who may be interested in becoming a Race Officer include parents who may have limited experience with sailing and want to contribute to the sport, volunteers at yacht clubs and sailors who no longer actively participate in the sport. This seminar is run online over 3 hours.

A schedule of the courses has been set from today through to June 2021 with courses running at a minimum of once a month, with additional courses over the next few weeks already scheduled.

Further details and seminar dates:  www.sailing.org.au/clubraceofficer

 Club Equipment Auditor Courses

This course is for anyone interested in assisting clubs with providing a safety service for sailing racing. Those who may be interested in becoming a Club Equipment Auditor include club and local volunteers, current and former club sailors who no longer actively participate in the sport. The Club Equipment Auditor seminar is aimed at educating Australian Sailing members to assess Category 3-7 racing vessels and their compliance to the Special regulations. These courses are running once per month over May, June, July, then quarterly year round.

Further details and seminar dates:  www.sailing.org.au/equipmentauditor

Other Australian Sailing Courses

The schedule for all other courses has been drafted until June 2021, and all of these can be found online at https://www.sailing.org.au/australian-sailing-courses/

Live Slow, Sail Fast! Kutti Cup 6 This Sunday

Well, we have definitely found ourselves in uncharted waters these last few days. We have been instructed to LIVE SLOW for a while, but, that does not mean you can't still SAIL FAST.

Unfortunately, the Sabot Zones have been cancelled. But, for those of you who are well and have no COVID 19 symptoms, Round 6 of the Kutti Cup will be ON this weekend.

Please let us know if you can make it.!