The sailing season is approaching quickly.....
PSA are offering a great transport deal for Laser sailors this summer.
PSA will transport your boat to Perth for the test event, then onto Sail Brisbane, Sail Sydney, Sail Melbourne and back to Sydney for the Nationals.
Cost for transport to all the events is $3000 AUD per boat.
Spots are very limited and we are 50% booked already.
Contact PSA for all details and to book your spot.
jason@lasersailing.com.au
(61) 02 43891088
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Krystal Weir Update
Hi Everyone,
I am now back in Australia after three months in Europe. Overall it was a pretty successful tour, with a 4th in Scheveningen Week, 5th Holland Regatta, 6th Kiel Regatta.
My last event was the World Championships in Largs, Scotland where I finished in the back of the Gold fleet. It was a tough event and probably one of those regattas you look back on and learn a lot from. The event was running over 6 days but we were only able to get in proper racing on the first 3 days. This teaches you how important the first few races of a regatta can be.
Quick Run down Worlds 2010
Largs, Scotland was a very frontal venue that either had loads of wind or none at all. Race One I retired from the race after I had an unfortunate incident with a Swedish girl and race two I was coming 6th and lost 6 boats on the beat to the finish…tough start. Day two proved to be better where I posted an 8th in very tricky light air conditions, race two was a 25th after coming back from a 45th top mark rounding. Day Three I was coming 6th and heading out to the left hand side where a big persistent right hander put me back into 28th position…another tough break. Day Four “Gold Fleet Day” I started badly and found myself rounding well back in the fleet, the wind switched 180* with a big cloud overcoming the course. I just couldnt find the right path back through the fleet and finished 55th. This last result had to count which put me right down the leader board.
I am now reviewing my program, back on the water and hitting the gym before I head back to the UK for the “Sail For Gold Regatta” which is in the Olympic Venue for 2012. It will be a great opportunity to find out as much info as possible.
Thankyou to Renske DeHass, Kampen Family, Evans Family, AIS crew in Varese Italy, Julian & Hamilton, YA, Ian at Sydney University Sport, David at Tudor Insurance and Fletch my coach for all your support this trip.
Looking forward to fighting my way back to the top.
Cheers
Krystal
--
Krystal Weir
Member of the Australian Sailing Team
Laser Radial
I am now back in Australia after three months in Europe. Overall it was a pretty successful tour, with a 4th in Scheveningen Week, 5th Holland Regatta, 6th Kiel Regatta.
My last event was the World Championships in Largs, Scotland where I finished in the back of the Gold fleet. It was a tough event and probably one of those regattas you look back on and learn a lot from. The event was running over 6 days but we were only able to get in proper racing on the first 3 days. This teaches you how important the first few races of a regatta can be.
Quick Run down Worlds 2010
Largs, Scotland was a very frontal venue that either had loads of wind or none at all. Race One I retired from the race after I had an unfortunate incident with a Swedish girl and race two I was coming 6th and lost 6 boats on the beat to the finish…tough start. Day two proved to be better where I posted an 8th in very tricky light air conditions, race two was a 25th after coming back from a 45th top mark rounding. Day Three I was coming 6th and heading out to the left hand side where a big persistent right hander put me back into 28th position…another tough break. Day Four “Gold Fleet Day” I started badly and found myself rounding well back in the fleet, the wind switched 180* with a big cloud overcoming the course. I just couldnt find the right path back through the fleet and finished 55th. This last result had to count which put me right down the leader board.
I am now reviewing my program, back on the water and hitting the gym before I head back to the UK for the “Sail For Gold Regatta” which is in the Olympic Venue for 2012. It will be a great opportunity to find out as much info as possible.
Thankyou to Renske DeHass, Kampen Family, Evans Family, AIS crew in Varese Italy, Julian & Hamilton, YA, Ian at Sydney University Sport, David at Tudor Insurance and Fletch my coach for all your support this trip.
Looking forward to fighting my way back to the top.
Cheers
Krystal
--
Krystal Weir
Member of the Australian Sailing Team
Laser Radial
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Ashley Stoddart - 2010 Laser Radial Womens Worlds Report
Worlds is complete after only 6 races out of 12 races scheduled. In the training beforehand we probably had the best run of wind, where the breeze was continuous- making some great training. The regatta started with similar conditions, however the second half of the regatta became more of a wait for wind, either to ease or fill into the bay. Where the final two days did not get any racing completed.
The first day was raced in the most even breeze of about 15-18 knots, even though it was raced in an offshore breeze, basically unavoidable in the race area mostly surrounded by land. This was my best race where I placed 3rd, after rounding the top and bottom marks in 1st in front of Olympic Gold Medallist- Anna Tunnicliffe. Between races proved Scotland's ability to turn on the cold. Both feet were numb, it was freezing. With skies clearing and winds having swung 90 degrees between races, as winds eased throughout the second race, the racing became more difficult as the waves were still relatively big and sloppy. I found myself rounding the top mark 5th after holding my lane following a good start, and then putting together a good upwind. However, I lost boats evenly on the next downwind and upwind, finishing 24th.
The second day, the 10th was my toughest day. The racing area was placed quite close to one of the hilliest shorelines, with the winds light and shifty, and the waves choppy. Both fleets completed 2 races. My first race of the day was basically ruined by a poor start, and with difficult conditions made it hard to catch up, I finished 40th. Then the following race had a good start and was in a good lane, but took a tack out to the left and found it hard to come back from there, my result yo-yoing a little bit, but finishing 50th. This was most probably my most painful day on the scoreboard and was the difference between making Gold fleet.
The last day of the qualifying races started out with a long wait, until we were allowed on the water for a 4pm start. This postponement was the result of too much wind on the course area. However by the time we were sent out the wind had eased significantly as predicted and we ended up sailing in about 7-10kts. My start was good and after some tough racing, I finished in 32nd. Unfortunately in the end, I missed out on Gold Fleet qualification by
6 points. In this situation it can be quite easy to look back and think if I had just gained a boat in each of the races, but that obviously doesn't change anything.
The one and only race of the finals was raced in a breeze which shifted 180 degrees throughout the course of the entire race. The wind varied in pressure, where I placed 19th in the silver fleet.
The 13th had 3 races scheduled and some waiting on shore before hitting the water, anticipating to start a race. We then spent about 5 hours waiting under a big, black stationary cloud, before the racing was finally abandoned due to a total glass-out. Although, ironically wind came in from the south-east just as we approached the club on tow. Yet racing could not be held because the wrong postponement flag was hoisted on the water, even though it was 4 o'clock with sunlight permitting more racing. Again, the race committee endeavoured to catch up on the 14th, however wild winds did not allow this to happen even after waiting until the 4pm warning signal limit, according to the sailing instructions.
So even though the regatta lacked some racing and my final results in the individual races was not particularly flash, especially on the 3rd day of racing, the regatta has certainly exposed me to the level I can reach, while also being very encouraging towards the training I can do to reach that level. It has definitely clearly shown the areas of my sailing which is strong and helping to mix it up with the worlds best, as well as the weaknesses that have disadvantaged me over the course of the regatta. This will help to move forward as an Open competitive sailor.
However my focus is now on the next regatta, where I am currently preparing for the Laser Radial Youth Worlds which are also to be held in Largs, Scotland. The racing starts on the 20th of July with 12 races scheduled.
Hope Australia is treating you to warm weather, will keep you up dated on the next regatta.
Kind Regards,
Ashley Stoddart
Member of the Australian Sailing Development Squad Laser Radial
The first day was raced in the most even breeze of about 15-18 knots, even though it was raced in an offshore breeze, basically unavoidable in the race area mostly surrounded by land. This was my best race where I placed 3rd, after rounding the top and bottom marks in 1st in front of Olympic Gold Medallist- Anna Tunnicliffe. Between races proved Scotland's ability to turn on the cold. Both feet were numb, it was freezing. With skies clearing and winds having swung 90 degrees between races, as winds eased throughout the second race, the racing became more difficult as the waves were still relatively big and sloppy. I found myself rounding the top mark 5th after holding my lane following a good start, and then putting together a good upwind. However, I lost boats evenly on the next downwind and upwind, finishing 24th.
The second day, the 10th was my toughest day. The racing area was placed quite close to one of the hilliest shorelines, with the winds light and shifty, and the waves choppy. Both fleets completed 2 races. My first race of the day was basically ruined by a poor start, and with difficult conditions made it hard to catch up, I finished 40th. Then the following race had a good start and was in a good lane, but took a tack out to the left and found it hard to come back from there, my result yo-yoing a little bit, but finishing 50th. This was most probably my most painful day on the scoreboard and was the difference between making Gold fleet.
The last day of the qualifying races started out with a long wait, until we were allowed on the water for a 4pm start. This postponement was the result of too much wind on the course area. However by the time we were sent out the wind had eased significantly as predicted and we ended up sailing in about 7-10kts. My start was good and after some tough racing, I finished in 32nd. Unfortunately in the end, I missed out on Gold Fleet qualification by
6 points. In this situation it can be quite easy to look back and think if I had just gained a boat in each of the races, but that obviously doesn't change anything.
The one and only race of the finals was raced in a breeze which shifted 180 degrees throughout the course of the entire race. The wind varied in pressure, where I placed 19th in the silver fleet.
The 13th had 3 races scheduled and some waiting on shore before hitting the water, anticipating to start a race. We then spent about 5 hours waiting under a big, black stationary cloud, before the racing was finally abandoned due to a total glass-out. Although, ironically wind came in from the south-east just as we approached the club on tow. Yet racing could not be held because the wrong postponement flag was hoisted on the water, even though it was 4 o'clock with sunlight permitting more racing. Again, the race committee endeavoured to catch up on the 14th, however wild winds did not allow this to happen even after waiting until the 4pm warning signal limit, according to the sailing instructions.
So even though the regatta lacked some racing and my final results in the individual races was not particularly flash, especially on the 3rd day of racing, the regatta has certainly exposed me to the level I can reach, while also being very encouraging towards the training I can do to reach that level. It has definitely clearly shown the areas of my sailing which is strong and helping to mix it up with the worlds best, as well as the weaknesses that have disadvantaged me over the course of the regatta. This will help to move forward as an Open competitive sailor.
However my focus is now on the next regatta, where I am currently preparing for the Laser Radial Youth Worlds which are also to be held in Largs, Scotland. The racing starts on the 20th of July with 12 races scheduled.
Hope Australia is treating you to warm weather, will keep you up dated on the next regatta.
Kind Regards,
Ashley Stoddart
Member of the Australian Sailing Development Squad Laser Radial
Thursday, July 22, 2010
WELL WORTH A TRIP DOWN UNDER FOR THE 2011 AUSTRALIAN MASTERS NATIONALS
WELL WORTH A TRIP DOWN UNDER FOR THE 2011 AUSTRALIAN MASTERS NATIONALS
The Australian Laser Masters Nationals – the first Masters Nationals in Australia for more than 25 years – are being held at the beautiful holiday resort of Port Stephens next February. Situated about160km (100 miles) north of Sydney, Port Stephens is an easy 2½ hour drive up the freeway from Sydney Airport. Comprising approximately 119 square kilometres (46 sq miles) of crystal clear waterways Port Stephens is quite a bit larger than Sydney Harbour, and while much of the Port is relatively shallow it contains sufficient deep water to accommodate large vessels – the troop-carrier Queen Mary sheltered there during World War 11.
The area is characterised by pretty bays, white sandy beaches and lush bushland. With gamefishing, surfing, beach and rock fishing, sailing, water cruises, boat charters, bushwalking, horseriding, waterskiing, swimming and parasailing Port Stephens is a bluewater paradise. There are a number of excellent golf courses and the Hunter Valley winegrowing region is only about an hour’s drive inland.
Accommodation caters for every budget, ranging from 4 and 5-star hotels to a variety of motels, B & Bs and some well-run caravan parks with on-site cabins. There are also many luxury holiday homes available for short-term rental, some right on the beach near the regatta site at Soldiers Point – a few minutes on Google will give you the picture.
The nearest accommodation to the boat park is the 3½-star All Seasons Salamander Shores hotel which is located only 100 metres from the sailing club. For the regatta they’re offering a special rate of AUD$119 per room, twin share, which includes a full hot buffet breakfast every morning. This rate is based on a minimum 3-night stay. You can find them at www.salamandershores.com Ask for the Laser Masters special deal.
The regatta runs from Friday February 11 – Monday February 14, 2011. Ten races are scheduled altogether – two on the Friday, 3 each on Saturday and Sunday with the final two on Monday. Naturally the course length will be arranged so Masters sailors are not too knackered after the days when three races are scheduled. Tony Denham, who was PRO for the Laser Worlds and World Masters at Terrigal in 2008, has agreed to run the regatta. He’ll be using the normal trapezoid courses, and the course area is only about a 10-minute sail from the beach.
There’s lots to do in the area generally, and accompanying spouses and partners will have plenty to entertain themselves with while competitors are out sailing. There is a welcome cocktail party on the Friday night and a Masters Dinner on the Sunday night, both included in the regatta entry fee.
February is generally a great time to be on the east coast of Australia a bit north of Sydney. The prevailing wind is a mild NE sea breeze with occasional southerly changes sweeping up the coast. Temperatures are generally in the high 20s C but it can be quite humid.
Around 180 – 200 boats are expected from all parts of Australia and New Zealand plus a number of regular international competitors from further afield have already indicated their interest. Laser cubes will be awarded along normal ILCA guidelines and GGMs have the choice of either Standard or Radial rig. Charter boats are available from the Australian factory ans one local Laser dealer but availability is limited so early booking is essential. Contact details for charter boats are in the NoR.
The Notice of Race, entry form and more information about accommodation and charter boats is available on the event mini-site. Just go to www.laser.asn.au and click on the Laser Masters Nationals logo on the right-hand side of the home page.
February is a great time to holiday in Australia and international airfares are at all-time lows. Sailing conditions should be ideal and competition at the regatta should be top-class, with at least 12 current or recent World champions sailing in the various fleets. Hope to see you at Port Stephens in early 2011.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The VLA Jolly Roger Traveller Series Update.
Albert Sailing Club's annual winter regatta on Albert Park Lake on 19/20 June, was the second event in the VLA Jolly Roger Traveller Series which runs from May to October. The regatta was successful with over 130 monohull dinghies competing in a short race format series which consisted of seven 30 - 40 minute races in three sessions.The racing was concentrated in the four most active dinghy sailing classes currently racing in Victoria - the Laser, Impulse, Sabre and junior Optimist classes. The largest entry was in the Laser class where there were 38 boats, consisting of 17 standard full rig Lasers, 12 of the mid-size Laser Radials, and 9 Laser 4.7's sailed by teenage sailors. The light Westerly winds had plenty of shifts and changes in wind strength which favoured the more experienced and more alert sailors.
In the standard full rig Laser's there was a close battle all weekend between Sean Bly and Glenn Collings. Glenn lead the fleet after day one, but Sean hit back on day two to win the last three races and take out the class win after a countback. There was good competition in the Grand Masters category with Peter Wright from Albert fifth overall and first in the category.
In Laser Radial's Jeremy O'Connell from Albert Park Yacht Club had a clean sweep with wins in all seven heats. It was good to see Buster Hooper in his Laser Radial in the Saturday session. The Laser 4.7's, had close racing all weekend with four separate race winners. Tom Vincent, from McCrae YC and Albert winter member, sailed the most consistent to finish first overall, with Ben Hartnett (Sorrento SCBC/ Albert SC) and Lachlan Imeneo (McCrae YC) close behind in 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Spot prizes of Laser parts were provided for the VLA Travellers Series race by Jolly Roger Sailing Centre, Performance Sailcraft Australia and Zik. The winners of these prizes were : George Andrysik from Albert SC (Laser Standard) ; James Catton from Albert SC (Laser Radial) ; and Natasha Van Rennes from Newhaven YS (Laser 4.7). Full results and a range of photos from the Regatta are available on the home page of albertsc.org.au. There are some good shots of individual Laser sailors and Laser fleets.
Two weeks before the Regatta there was a well attended VLA coaching session on Albert Park Lake at Albert Sailing Club. Sixteen boats, with half of these from the host club, sailed in a full day session in moderate South West winds. Ricky Ironmonger took the Laser 4.7's group, and Glenn Collings the Laser Standard/ Laser Radial group. The focus was on tacking, sailing upwind, and starting. The VLA training sessions continue monthly - see the VLA coaching calendar for dates and details.
The third event in the VLA Jolly Roger Traveller Series will be at 1pm on Sunday July 18 at Elwood Sailing Club. The Albert Sailing Club winter sailing season continues weekly till mid September, with details and dates on albertsc.org.au.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
