Masthead #10 October 2015

Commodores Comments

I am often amazed when I travel how blaze’ people become when they become familiar with the facilities that we enjoy at our Club. It’s only when you meet with an organization that has had only rudimentary facilities that you become aware of what we have to offer in terms of our facilities and venue that we have here at HMYC. Such was the case when we were approached by the Midlands Rowing Club to avail themselves of our facilities by virtue of an application for affiliation as was the case with Hilton Rowing Club last year. We have therefore approved the affiliation of the Midlands Rowing Club who will be relocating to our grounds on the 1st October 2015 and we welcome them to our Club.

They will be taking up an area alongside the Hilton Rowing Boatshed on the Eastern side of the current building and we would request members to welcome them to our facilities which I’m sure will be beneficial to both our organizations. In discussion with them they advise that most of their activities take place between 0600 and 0930 before the wind arrives and could well result in some of their members taking an interest in sailing after their rowing session. Initially until the rains come and the Dam rises they will be parking their training boats below the bank on the eastern side of the boat park and when the dam returns to normal levels they will have a shipping container placed on the grassed area which they  will use to contain their rowing craft.

After the euphoria of a well-attended opening sail past we came down with a bump this last weekend when the Rose Bowl weekend competition had to be postponed due to a lack of entries.  The weather had a lot to do with the poor turnout as we had a cold snap together with a few days of rain which might indicate that we are getting a bit soft. Midmar Dam has been selected by South African Sailing as the venue which most closely resembles the conditions which are likely to be encountered when the Youth World Championships are held in Malaysia at the end of the year. As a result SAS will be staging a selection series with young sailors of a suitable Standard have been selected to take part in order for a Team to be sent to this World Competition. The selection series under the control of SAS will be held at the Club from the 4th to 12th October 2015. Do come along and watch our budding Olympians being put thru their paces.

Contact Derek Wilkes on 0842537927  or derek.wilkes@me.com

Senior Sailing News.

Well: the first month of the new sailing season has flown past, it was rewarding

to see the number of boats on the water for the sail past and the general activity at the club, may it last into the season. The SASKZN Hunter Regional Championships was sailed over the

past long weekend, as race officer I experienced one of the most enjoyable regattas in a long

time, because although the number of entrants were on the low side, despite CJ’s efforts to get a decent size fleet on the water, there was some very competitive sailing, in excellent conditions and even the tail-enders were never far behind. At a well-organized prize giving HMYC sailors Paul Changuion and Tim Duguid took Gold and John Bruckman and Dave Martinson of WYC received Silver medallions Tim’s young daughter Lea sailed the last two races of the regatta, because Paul had to attend a family wedding and was presented with the Hunter Youth Trophy. 

Based on the results I say well done to all the competitors, especially for the spirit in which

you sailed, to the bridge crew and mark-layers thanks for the excellent work done on the water and to Bob Gray, Clive Waddy and Hes Hamilton, thanks for getting the bridge and safety craft onto and out of the water under difficult circumstances. The next major regatta to be held at Midmar is the Midlands Open Dinghy and Catamaran Regatta, which will take place from the 27^th- 30^th December 2015, the Notice of Race will be available shortly along with posters advertising the event, keep an eye on both the club website and face-book for further information. 

Derek Wilkes is busy organizing a Cruiser Challenge, this will be an ongoing event, throughout the sailing season, details of the event and course cards will be shortly posted on the club noticeboard, club website and face-book. Finally after one or two incidents recently, resulting in the club being pulled up by Ezemvelo’s Resort Management and following subsequent a discussion with the head of the  Dam Management Safety Committee in Pretoria , members must comply with the following inland water regulations ..

(1)         The use of any craft on Midmar water’s, is restricted from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. There are no exceptions, except in case of emergencies or applied for events.

(2)         There may be NO overnighting on moored craft, previously the club kept a low profile

regarding this but it has Now driving, will call you back later!  been pointed out by the DMC that both from the environmental restriction regarding possible effluent contamination and the safety aspect of passage to and from moored craft at night, members must refrain from spending the night on board their boats, or face the risk of their boats being banned from the surface area of the dam.

(3)         An approved buoyancy aid or regulation life jacket of the right size and weight must   

be worn at all times by every child under (12) twelve years while on deck of a craft that is underway, this includes tenders and inflatables.

(4)         No person may operate any vessel or any of a vessel’s equipment while under the influence of an intoxicating liquor or a drug having a narcotic effect.(0.24 milligrams)

NB:   You may cry “Bureaucracy”, but please this is for your own and family’s safety and the club cannot turn a blind eye to the above, as we have already been warned to get our house in order. It is never easy to please everyone and I know circumstances are different at other dams in the country, but unfortunately Midmar is one of the five pilot dams where the safety regulations are being applied and the possibility of the club hosting future events and being in charge of the mooring area, would hang in the balance if we do not comply with the promulgated safety regulations and National Water Act.No 36 of 1998.

Contact:  Rob Bell on 0739618006 or e-mail:  robbell@afrihost .co.za

Youth Sailing.

For our youth members we now have an active sailing school, with qualified sailing coaches.

The sailing school is open to all and has a number of excellent training craft and courses that cover both an introduction to sailing and advanced sail training, this is carried out with safety being a prime requirement for this registered training school. To date approximately nineteen

youngsters have taken part in the training and some have now moved on to participating in

club racing and crewing on Soling’s in the Soling Revival Series.

The club has a Vice Commodore Youth, Claire Perret who is responsible for all youth activities at the club and will be able to help you channel your youngster on to the right course..

Contact :  Claire Perret on 0833882267 or email  midmarwindwarriors@gmail.com

Mooring Maintenance

A reminder to members to check their moorings and advise the Club that they have done so was sent out recently, however the response to date has not been good and the Mooring Committee would like to request members in their own interests to take the appropriate action i.e.,

1)  Check the top end, with the Dam low it should be possible to pull the warp up to check  

     down to the connection to the chain.

2)  If you have carried out a check and found all OK please advise Connie so that it can be  

recorded – if you have replaced parts advise the parts replaced, again so that we can record all work done on your mooring.

It is over two years since the Mooring Committee introduced and implemented the new specification so we are going to lift several moorings that have been down for two years and assess the condition. We will then advise members individually if it is considered necessary to lift the mooring and check it all the way to the blocks. 

Stainless versus Galvanised Hardware

The experience gained to date on hardware (swivels/shackles/thimbles) using both types of steel suggests that using stainless hardware is more cost effective long term as although it is more expensive it is longer lasting and appears to require less maintenance intervals. The decision rests with the member but we will suggest using stainless hardware for future repairs.

Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact:

Hes Hamilton 0722254230 or Clive Waddy 0833993910 

House Matters

The start of the season has seen a flurry of activity at the club, Ruth has her canteen up and running and we request members to support the canteen, as meals are reasonably priced and are overall good value for your money. The pub has also received fair support so far this season, but we are hoping to attract more members, both through the planned camping and braai weekends, plus the added attraction of the wide screen TV for watching the World Rugby Cup unfold. (Remember the pub runs on a card system, so an initial amount of R100

is required to purchase a card).

Over the next few months we are hoping to have a few events which will encourage members to make use of the club’s facilities. The initial event being a fund raising soirée on the evening of Saturday the 5th of December, we are hoping to attract a fair numbers of members who will be taking part in the 2^nd Soling Revival Race, camping over and entering the Club Open Championships and George Duffin Trophy Race on the Sunday. 

Apart from being for a very worthy cause, we can promise you an evening of first rate entertainment by the well-known Butler Family, the possibility of winning a painting of the mooring area at Midmar, but most of all to get together with a group of friends around a table, relax and  enjoy your bring and share snacks with a glass or two of wine and appreciate a couple of hours of

light entertainment and superb singing. To book your table please contact Connie or go onto the HMYC website or Facebook page for further information. The donation called for is R80.00 or more if you can afford it, and that should guarantee a slightly brighter future for young Angelique Schroder.

Contact:  Sue Barker     0838952642   ambleside@mweb.co.za

                Anton Ellens  0726253049      ellensa@pmburg.co.za

MASTHEAD # 9 June 2015

This is just a quick reminder to you about a couple of things:

You will have received the invoice for your 2015/2016 subs – if you want to pay the standing entry fee for the 2015/2016 season, but this amount isn’t shown on your invoice, then just add an amount of R210 to your payment as this is the standing entry cost.  Payment of the standing entry fee means that you don’t have to worry to take money for your entry fee to the club when you want to race, and covers the entry fee for every race for the whole season, with the exception of regattas … 

The 2015/2016 subscription fees are listed on the Club website, and we have tried to keep the increase in subs as low as possible.  However, if you feel that you are unable to pay the full amount of your subs in one shot, please contact Connie as we do have an alternative payment plan in place for those members who ask for it.

If you are thinking of resigning your membership of HMYC, then unfortunately it’s too late for you to do this for the 2015/2016 season without still being liable for the subs for this season.  The last day to resign for the 2015/2016 season without being liable for the subs was 30^th April 2015.

Another reminder about the AGM – the date is Sunday 26^th July.  Ruth will be providing a cooked lunch for R75 per person, R150 per couple.  However, HMYC wants to give something back to you, the member, so the first 10 couples booking for lunch will get their lunch free, thereafter if you book for lunch by the end of June 2015 you will pay only half price – R75 instead of R150 for two people!!  Your Club will also sponsor a bottle of wine per table at the lunch.  

Please contact Ruth to make your booking - her cell number is 083 363 7028, her e-Mail address is hutchens.ruthedith@gmail.com.  The 2014/2015 prize-giving will be held after the AGM, and during the lunch.  

If you are prepared to stand for any of the vacant Committee jobs, you will need someone to propose and a different person to second your nomination at the AGM.  If you are unable to attend the AGM but are still prepared to stand on the Club Committee, you can send an e-Mail to Connie at hmyc@mweb.co.za stating your intention to stand for the position, as well as the names of your proposer and seconder.

I hope to see as many HMYC members as possible at the AGM and lunch.  Thanks for all your support for the past season – it is much appreciated!!

Brenda Tarboton

Commodore

Henley Midmar Yacht Club 

MASTHEAD #8, April 2015

After some consultation it has been decided to cancel the Closing Cruise on the 26th of April up to Cascades on the last day of the season, in order to cater for those members who don’t want or are unable to drive round to there.  The sail past will take place from the end of the jetty, with a possible pick-up race afterwards for those who would like one. There will be a braai at the Club at lunchtime – Ruth will have braai packs and salads available for those who want to buy them, and the pub will be open. So come along and enjoy your club for the last official day of the season!!

 

The AGM date has been changed to be Sunday 26^th July (coffee from 10.30) – this is an early warning for you to reserve this date in your calendar.  

 

The Club financial year ends on the 30^th April, and as from the 1^st May the new season’s subs are due.

If you are thinking of resigning from HMYC, and not renewing your membership for the new season, you must send an e-Mail to Connie, stating your resignation from the Club, by the 30^th April 2015. 

If you don’t submit your resignation e-Mail by the 30^th April 2015, but then resign after the 1^st May 2015, you will still be liable for the full subs for the 2015/2016 season.  It is anticipated that the subs for the new season will go up by about 10% - however I don’t know how much the SAS subs will increase by yet. Remember, if you’re older than 70 years of age, you don’t have to pay SAS subs any more, and you also qualify for the HMYC Senior subs fee.

The invoices for the 2015/2016 subs will be going out to Club members as soon as they are ready.

Vonklemperer Series

Same story again dam wall breeze Moderate but chilly this time round!

Rob Tarbie away again with quikie on the heels . Essex girl had a not good start and slowly caught up having a lucky lift up to no 1 ,thus putting her 3rd around the top can . Quiki with spinaker problems allowed Essex through. Essex finding herself in better breeze than Rob allowed her to pass Rob at the gybe Mark down to no 4. With another lift going up to centre saw Essex have a comfortable lead to come in first, Followed by Rob and then Tim sailing single handed did well to come in third.

The win for Essex allowed her to take the series . So well done young Lea Duguid ! Then Rob followed by Willie and Rob.

Next up is the Brass monkey , similar to Vonklemperer sailed over the next 2 consecutive Sundays .

MASTHEAD # 7 – April 2014

This is hopefully a short Masthead, just to remind you of a few things:

The closing cruise will be held on Sunday 27th April at 11h00.  We’ll sail round to the braai area near the power boat club.  Please bring your own braai meat, salads, and drinks, and braai fires will be available at the site.  There will be some youth available as crew if anyone wants some spare hands as we are hoping to get the youth from the Hilton Methodist Church to come to the Club on this day.  I look forward to seeing you at the closing cruise.

Then, before you know it, it will be AGM time again!!!  The AGM and prize-giving is scheduled for Sunday 22nd June, and there will be a sit-down lunch available.  The details of the lunch and prize-giving will be published as soon as they have been finalized.

On behalf of your committee, I’d like to wish you all a good Easter, and to those who are travelling to Simonstown or the Vaal for the various regattas which are scheduled before and during Easter, I wish you good winds and good sailing.  Fly the burgee high for your club!

If you are thinking of resigning from your membership of HMYC, you must do it before the end of May 2014 (next month!!), so that it will be effective for the 2014/2015 season.  If you resign after the start of the new season, you are still liable for the new season’s subs and you have to pay them to avoid being declared a defaulter.  If you don’t pay your subs you are declared a defaulter, and defaulters cannot come and use the club’s facilities, and they also have to remove any boat or trailer which belongs to them from the club premises.  You just need to send an e-Mail to Connie before the end of May, stating that you don’t want to renew your membership for the new season and that will be fine, you won’t be in danger of being declared a defaulter.  We do have a payment plan in place if you want to pay your annual subs off over a number of months, instead of paying the full amount in one payment – again just speak to Connie and she’ll arrange this for you.

If you have turned 70 during the 2013/2014 season, then you should send Connie a copy of your ID book so that she can charge you the correct subs for the 2014/2015 season as we have a lower annual subscription for members who have turned 70 years of age.

Senior Sailing Breeze | 26th March 2014

A brief summary of the sailing calendar for the month of April 2014
Sunday 6th April
Open Class Championships incorporating the George Duffin Trophy Series: Races,  (19), (20) and (21), this  series is only open to the Hunter Class, but all other classes of yachts and catamarans can compete in the Open Class Championships, the start of which will be five (5) minutes after the George Duffin Series start. A briefing will be at held at 10h15.sharp.
The Monthly Mug and Open Class Championships scoring will be made based on the overall sailing results for the day.

Sunday 13th April
Autumn Handicap. This is one for the golden oldies (Average sailors age makes up the handicap)
Briefing will be at 14h00…..sharp and the start will be at14h30 from between a start mark and the jetty. The course will follow a given course, between designated fixed marks. Enjoy a social drink in the pub after the race.

Sunday 20th April
Pursuit Race No (2).  This will be a medium distance race, open to all classes of yachts and catamarans, there will be individual starting times given, based on skipper and boat handicaps. Briefing will be at 14h00…..sharp and the first start will be at14h30 from between a start mark and the jetty. The course will follow a given course, between designated fixed marks. Enjoy a social drink in the pub after the race.

Sunday 27th April
Close of Season Sail Past / Hail the Commodore, followed by a casual sail to the braai area near the Power Boat Club. Prizes will be awarded for the most sportive crew. The braai area can be reached by road. Directions will be available at the briefing at 10h30 on the club veranda. You may bring your own picnic lunch, but Debbie will have some braai packs and rolls for sale and there will be a limited number of beers for sale. (Remember your bar card)

General Information and Requests.
(1)  Attendance at briefings is not compulsory, but it is advisable to attend them as
even though course directions should be posted early by the race officer, last minute changes can be made. (This only applies to HMYC Club Events)
(2) Camping in the club grounds is only permissible during organized events, sites
       must be booked via the Club Administrators Office. Contact Connie Gray
       on 0833127707 or 033 3304158 during her club administration hours.
             (or complete the camping form as per the Notice of Regatta)
(3)    Any member  prepared to give of their time to help with regattas and club sailing in the coming season please do not  be afraid of stepping forward, we need your help and for the inexperienced, advice and training will be available , it can be fun and definitely better than just sitting on the bank.  Please contact me, see contact details below.

Last but not least, enjoy the remaining months of the yachting season, make the most of the best yachting facility in the country and remember, the race officers and myself, are there to provide you with well managed sailing events, be it serious or social. Fair winds and great sail  Rob Bell      Tel: 033 3442182,   Cell: 0739618006, robbell@afrihost.co.za

Connie Gray
Henley Yacht Club Admin

MASTHEAD # 6 – March 2014

Another month, another Masthead!!!  It’s already March and the year seems to be flying by.  We’ve now had four out of the five regattas this season at HMYC, with the last one which is still to be held being the KZN Inter Schools regatta which will be sailed the weekend 8/9 March.  If you know of any school children who can sail and who would like to represent their school at this regatta, they should be at the dam on Saturday 8^th March by 08h30 as this is when registration starts and they will be able to take part in the regatta.  They don’t have to be hot-shot sailors – this is a fun event.  The warning signal for the first race will be at 10h55 on Saturday 8^th March, and racing will take place on both Saturday and Sunday. 

There is also one extra regatta for HMYC this season, as we’ve been asked to host the Hunter Nationals and this will be run at the end of March – the 21/22/23 March.

The 2014 HMYC 9 Hour race was held on Saturday 1^st March, with a total entry of 39 boats.  The wind didn’t appear on Saturday morning, with the fleet being becalmed at times on the dam which made for some frustrating sailing, but it came from the dam wall in the afternoon, and this livened things up a bit.  Thanks to all who helped to make the event a success – those who laid the course, moved some keelboats (and put them back!!), sponsored some prizes, did the recording on the shore – the list is endless as there is an enormous amount of work which has to be done both before and after such an event - and without your contributions the event wouldn’t have been as good as it was.  I think that 2015 is possibly the 40^th anniversary of the 9 Hour race - which was first sailed as a 12 hour race – so if anyone can give me more information as to when this event was first sailed at HMYC, please can you contact me as next year we want to make the 9 Hour a bumper event?

An early reminder - if you are thinking of resigning from your membership of HMYC, you must do it before the end of May 2014, so that it will be effective for the 2014/2015 season.  If you resign after the start of the new season, you are still liable for the new season’s subs and you have to pay them to avoid being declared a defaulter.  If you don’t pay your subs you are declared a defaulter, and defaulters cannot come and use the club’s facilities, and they also have to remove any boat or trailer which belongs to them from the club premises.  You just need to send an e-Mail to Connie before the end of May, stating that you don’t want to renew your membership for the new season and that will be fine, you won’t be in danger of being declared a defaulter.  We do have a payment plan in place if you want to pay your annual subs off over a number of months, instead of paying the full amount in one payment – again just speak to Connie and she’ll arrange this for you.

If you have turned 70 during the 2013/2014 season, then you should send Connie a copy of your ID book so that she can charge you the correct subs for the 2014/2015 season as we have a lower annual subscription for members who have turned 70 years of age.

The dam is full and overflowing at the moment, so when you’re next up at the club please check your mooring line.  It might need to be lengthened …..