Well, on the Rastasarmouse front not much is going on as I'm landlocked thanks to the shoulder, but of course you knew that from last issue. So I've taken on Whale's Tales, which seemed like a good idea back in November last year, and we're about to see if it was or not! A little ironic for a chap with only one working arm, firstly I would like to applaud Sue Halloran for her work on Whale's Tales over the years plus the assistance transitioning from editor. It has been great and with the help of you all we'll keep things rolling along. Boyd Newton, back half of 'Da Easy Crew, and Editor. Important Info If nothing else, please look into the following as others may be relying on you to do so: | Dubious Info Winnie the Pooh is sailing to the Caribbean.
Antigua?
No, single handed | New Members Again this month we are delighted to announce several new members. Please welcome:
* Michael Savery - sailing an Aero
* Keith Spencer - sailing a Contender
* David Fairbairn & Michelle Jurcic
* Callum, Rosie & Hugh Fairbairn - in Junior Sailing
* Mark Warburton - paddling a Kayak
And next time you are at the club, track them down and say "G'day". |  Nick Collis-George | This month we thank Nick Collis-George for taking on the role of BSC webmaster and while this alone deserves recognition, it's only a small part of Nick's contribution. Beyond the BSC Board a myriad of other work includes the junior sailing program, new boat racking, sourcing and applying for grants, and coordinating the Tuesday Sailors. Nick started sailing at age 12 in Sabots at Manly and is now a force to be reckoned with in an RS Aero, winning the Grand Master division at the 2017 Nationals. So when you see Nick at BSC give him a wave and say thanks. Know someone we should recognise? If you know someone who is quietly working away behind the scenes without due recognition please email Boyd with the details so he can mention them in Whale's Tales. |  Quite a display! | Once again, December saw the Christmas Party kick off after a great days sailing at Balmoral. Everybody brought a plate, then with little regard to optimum crew weights the abundant smorgasbord was quickly turned into a dishwashers nightmare! Many thanks to Laurie Hoffman and her elves for organising this shindig, and for setting up while most of us were out on the water enjoying ourselves. | It was a fabulous way for Kylie and I to see out our first year at BSC and our thanks to all for your kindness, support and the many many laughs throughout the year. |  Helm's fault or crew's fault? |  From a curry to bakewell tarts. | | |  Douglas, Cam, Gavin and Stan in Race 10 (Photo: Gavin Cooke) | The group of 4 club boats that ventured to Tasmania have returned from the National Championships. All boats picked up trophies but we missed out on the big one with Douglas and Spencer sailing an excellent regatta finishing equal first on points but losing on a count back to the reigning champ from South Australia. | 2nd: Waterborne at Last - Douglas Raftesath/Spencer McKay (1st Vets Trophy)
4th: Wave Catcher - Campbell & Stirling Mckay (1st Family Trophy)
6th: Firefly - Gavin & Oliver Cooke (1st Cruiserweight Trophy)
10th: Yenda Lee Charlotte Raftesath / Benedict McKay (1st Youth Trophy) Race reports and Final results here & Regatta Photos here. |  One more up top? (Photo: Gavin Cooke) | Big thanks to Douglas for towing the boats down and back and for Stan’s assistance with the ferry crossing.
Douglas purchased another Mirror after the regatta meaning there were 5 boats on the trailer for the return trip! | The hosting club at Kingston Beach put on an excellent regatta in a beautiful location. We experienced a wide range of conditions (0-38kn) - sometimes all in the same race. We also got to watch the Sydney Hobart race yachts sail up the Derwent to the finish. Gavin Cooke |  (Photo: Rob Owe-Young) | The RS Aero NSW State Championships will be held the 3rd and 4th of February at BSC, and are sponsored by The Life Aquatic. On Friday 2nd, BSC will be open from 0930hrs to competitors for a coaching session provided by The Life Aquatic and conducted by Mike Fletcher. Simon Reffold let me know "The Life Aquatic have made two boats available for lease at $350 for the weekend which includes entry. This is a perfect opportunity to trial a boat and to start honing skills ahead of the Worlds at Port Stephens in 2019!" To take advantage of the RS Aero lease opportunity contact: Simon Reffold - The Life Aquatic
Email: office@thelifeaquatic.com.au.
Call: 02 9979 1590 | Our intrepid group of Tuesday sailors are at it again, so if your new year resolutions included getting out on the water more often then here is a chance to start ticking things off the list. More fun than that diet too. On the water at 11am, the group includes RS Aero, Laser, Scow Moth and Contender sailors. It's a great opportunity to get away from that demanding crew too, as members can borrow the club Laser or book an RS Aero for a test sail. To join the Tuesday Sailors, contact Nick Collis-George: email: nick.collisgeorge@balmoralsc.com.au
phone: 0421 008 485 | The BSC Junior Sailing Program is led by Andrew Dent, Gavin Cooke and Jono Allen of Balmoral Watersports. Nick Collis-George is the responsible Board member. Kids are the future of our sport and club so get them involved. Then treat yourself to brunch on the promenade while they're someone else's problem! For more information contact: Andrew Dent
p: 0405 973 519
e: juniorsailing@balmoralsc.com.au | A reminder to those doing the practical CPR course on 18th Feb to do the online section of the course before attending the practical. To get the course link, please notify Shirley Matthews and get onto it as soon as possible. There will be tea and coffee available, and plates too (if anybody would like to bring cake). Contact: Shirley Matthews
e: phil.shirley@tpg.com.au | If you don’t already have your Working With Children check completed please do so now. There is no fee for the check as we are all unpaid volunteers. There are three steps: 1. Apply online for an application number. Click here to apply.
2. Once you have been issued with an application number go to a Service NSW office to have your identity verified. Take your application number and proof of your identity with you.
3. You should then receive an email stating your WWC Number. You must then email this number, with your full name and date of birth, to Michael Payne, crew@balmoralsc.com.au. Your identity will then be further verified by Michael Payne or a BSC Director or a Race Officer and your WWC Number will be linked to Balmoral Sailing Club. You will be advised when the process is complete.
| 1. | Apply online for an application number. Click here to apply. | | 2. | Once you have been issued with an application number go to a Service NSW office to have your identity verified. Take your application number and proof of your identity with you. | | 3. | You should then receive an email stating your WWC Number. You must then email this number, with your full name and date of birth, to Michael Payne, crew@balmoralsc.com.au. Your identity will then be further verified by Michael Payne or a BSC Director or a Race Officer and your WWC Number will be linked to Balmoral Sailing Club. You will be advised when the process is complete. | Contact Details: Michael Payne
e: crew@balmoralsc.com.au
p: 0425 275 398 | Something I have been keeping an eye on for a while is 3D printing. A little research led me to a DIY printer kit which soon turned my $250 into a box containing hundreds of pieces and a dubious instruction manual. Unperturbed, twelve hours later and the beastie was up and running producing a nice little Benchy. For a beginner I'm happy with it, and after some trial and error even made useful things for our Tasar - some of which are illustrated below. |  Rudder box insert. Mainsheet block wedge. Compass mount. Wind indicator mast insert | | This technology is improving all the time as hardware, software and filaments evolve, and is becoming a viable alternative for producing some parts and components. If you're doing any of this yourself or have any design ideas for your boat then please email Boyd. Sure, making a miniature Trebuchet for shooting brussel sprouts at the cat is still the most useful thing you're likely to do, but that in itself is reason enough to have a look into it! | 27 Jan : Windsurfer Nationals
3-4 Feb : RS Aero NSW States
10 Feb : MJ States, Laser Masters
24-25 Feb : Mirror NSW States, Taser TT3
18 Feb : CPR Refresher Course
10 Mar : BSC Marathon, Taser TT4
11 Mar : Taser TT5
24 Mar : Easter Egg Hunt and Pizza
30 Mar : Tasar NSW States | And don't forget our post-race sausage sizzles are on every week - make sure you get there early to avoid the bar-be-queues! | |
