Dobroyd Aquatic Club Annual Report 2017 – 2018

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Dobroyd Aquatic Club Inc.

Rodd Park All mail to Henley Marine Drive P.O. Box 70 Rodd Point NSW 2046 Five Dock NSW 2046

Dear Member,

You are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting which will be held at the Club House on Wednesday, 20th June 2018, at 7:30PM.

If you wish to add an item for discussion at this meeting please submit a summary to the secretary in advance.

Agenda of the Annual General meeting:

1. Apologies 2. Minutes of the 2017 AGM 3. Correspondence 4. Adoption of the Annual Report 5. Adoption of the Balance Sheet 6. Election of Office Bearers 7. General Business 8. Closure of AGM

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ...... 2 Club Officers and Appointments ...... 3 President’s Report...... 4 Treasurer’s Report ...... 6 Commodore’s Report ...... 7 Optimist / O’pen BIC Class Report ...... 9 Optimist Upper Harbour Challenge 2017-2018 ...... 9 Open Bic Upper Harbour Challenge 2017-2018 ...... 9 List of Regattas attended by our Opti/BICs this Season ...... 10 The Optimists attended heaps of regattas, some of them were: ...... 10 Optimist Season Results: ...... 11 O’pen Bic Season Results: ...... 11 Participating Optimist / O’pen Bic sailors...... 11 Thanks ...... 12 DAC Youth Development 2017/18 ...... 13 Pre-Christmas Camp ...... 13 Sleepover Report ...... 13 Regattas ...... 14 Heron Class Report ...... 15 Tasar Class Report ...... 17 Laser Full Rig Class Report ...... 19 Laser Radial / 4.7 Report ...... 21 Raceboard Class Report ...... 22 Learn-to-Sail ...... 24 Social Committee Report ...... 25 RC Laser ...... 26

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Club Officers and Appointments

PATRONS

Pat Griffith, Ivan Halford

ELECTED OFFICERS CLASS CAPTAINS

President: Greg MacInnes Optimist: Sam Hodzic Senior Vice President: Michael Stuart O’pen Bic: Sam Hodzic Vice President: Geoff Wilson Youth Development: Simone Commodore: Greg Shore Houghton Vice Commodore: Manuel Ferreira Open/Tasar: Richard Stewart 2nd Vice Commodore: Chris Allen Laser Full Rig: Geoff Wilson Honorary Secretary: Geoff Wilson Laser Radial: Michael Stewart Honorary Treasurer: Michael Costa Laser 4.7: Russell Hogg Memberships: Martin Stone Raceboard: Greg MacInnes Social Committee: Kathy Barton RC Laser: Noel McPherson Training Officers: Trevor Larance, Lyndal Transition Fleet: Trevor Larance Douglas, Samantha Rose, Alana Hodzic, Sailability: Margie Sanderson Bryn Collyer, Oliver Ashton, Garth, Maxine Morrisey, Ollie Ashton, Oscar Hogg, Rosie SAILING COMMITTEE FLOOR Collyer, Richie Reynolds, Lissa McMillon MEMBERS Shed Space Officer: Elizabeth Hogg Publicity Officer: Lissa McMillon Optimist: Sam Hodzic Property Master: Greg MacInnes O’pen Bic: Sam Hodzic WH&S: Matt Rafferty Heron: Robin Pidd Tasar: Duncan McRae COMMITTEE APPOINTEES Laser Full Rig: TBA Laser Radial: Thomas Koch Licensee: Michael Costa Laser 4.7: Bronwyn Mitchell Hall Booking Officer: Bianca Costa Sailboard: Richie Reynolds Canteen Coordinator: Linda Billington NS: Chris Bull Web Master: Mark Schafer Honorary Auditor: Muirhead & Associates Solicitor: Mathew Rafferty ASSOCIATION DELEGATES Principal Training Officer: Trevor Larance Public Officer: Michael Costa Laser: Bronwyn Mitchell Optimist: Sam Hodzic RACE OFFICERS Sailboard: Richie Reynolds Heron: Robin Pidd Starters: Ivan Halford, Glen Grunfelder Tasar: TBA Rescue Officers: Rocco Mariani, Chris Sailability: Matt O’Donnell Allen, Sam Hodzic, Trevor Larance, YA NSW rep: Trevor Larance Greg Shore Buoy Master & Boatswain: Chris Allen

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

President’s Report

Once again we look back on the past season and reflect on how it went, the highs and lows, the wins and the losses.

For me, at this time of year I’m filled with a feeling of fondness for the past season and an excitement for the season ahead.

I think we got our share of wind, with not too many Southerlies, and even a few Nor Easters as well, but no matter the wind, good or bad, its the volunteers, the starters, the rescue crews, the coaches, Linda in the canteen and all the helpers each week, that not only make it a safe place to sail, but also such an enjoyable place to sail as well.

One of the highlights of the season would be getting the storage container delivered, fitted out and now filled with boats, and particularly, with the increased storage, we have been able to expand our junior sailing program, as well as enabling more people to and sail more easily with us at DAC.

However my biggest highlight, would have to be our closer association, with the Sailability Fleet, as we all know Sailability has been a vital and integral part of DAC for many years, but of late they have been joining us on Saturday and sailing with the main fleet, and it has been a welcome and rewarding experience for all, both abled or otherwise.

DAC continues to be a strong training club, Trevor and his team continue to bring the best out in the kids, both the beginners, as well as the slightly more experienced juniors, Lissa and Richie have a solid record running the learn to Windsurf program, with a number of graduates getting the sailing bug and joining the main fleet and racing throughout the season and Robin Pidd is also turning people onto the joys of sailing with his adult sailing training.

Thank you to each of you as well as the people who assist you with this task, the joy and enthusiasm that radiates from all the learners is infectious and inspiring and a delight to see.

Lastly congratulations to all our Club Champions, Point Score and Stewie Long Cup winners, as well as all those who have represented DAC at National and State Titles, not only do we congratulate you on your achievements but we commend you on the sportsperson like manner in which you conduct yourselves at these events and beyond.

Looking to the future, I believe we are headed in the right direction, with the right mix of competitive spirit, encouragement and emphasise on learning to sail and a welcoming and friendly social aspect to the club, I wish to thank Greg Shore our Commodore in particular for doing such an outstanding job as well as the rest of the Committee for their wise and valued guidance and advise throughout the year, Thank you and Thank you everyone for allowing me to be Your 2017/18 President.

Thank You and Good Sailing

Greg MacInnes - President

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Treasurer’s Report

I am pleased to report that the club traded in the black for the financial year 2017-18. What a big year it was. The profit was $3,093.81 after allowing for depreciation on all of our assets and major purchases during the year. The full report will be available to be viewed at the annual general meeting.

There were a number of major items during the financial year.

The container boat storage facility was completed, with the approval of all members. Final cost including site preparation was just on $40,000. Out of this year’s accounts the cost was about $23,000.

There was the purchase of 8 junior training boats, 4 second hand and 4 new. Total cost was around $20,000.

Also there was further investment in windsurfing boards and sails etc. at a lesser cost.

Sailability replaced their inflatable with a new one; the old one was donated to Sailability in the Nowra district.

The club also sold ZULU our other starters boat at a small loss after depreciation.

The club was well maintained throughout the period with no major costs involved other than redoing the hall floor finish.

Matters of note-

1. Hall hiring’s are vital to this club to stay alive 2. Canteen was a bit better supported than previous year Many thanks to all who keep the place rolling and also externally to Greg Muirhead our Auditor.

Michael Costa- Honorary Treasurer

Statement by members of the Committee

- The accounting method is cash - The club does not collect or pay GST - All paid bills are kept in order of payment date - All monies paid are approved by the committee. At all committee meeting up to date reports are tabled and approved - The canteen turnover is calculated as cost plus banked monies. Current stock is not included in annual accounts - The club does not produce a BAS statement as we are below minimum required turnover - Accounts are maintained on MYOB on a club computer solely used for this purpose

Finance Balance Sheet and Profit & Loss Statement is provided at AGM

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Commodore’s Report

The best way to motivate a new generation of sailors is to get them while they are young, and with this in mind DAC is continuing with its Learn-to-Sail classes. As a volunteer organisation we rely on volunteers like Trevor who dedicate a huge amount of time in convincing sailors as young as eight that sailing can be fun and also teach them a sense of responsibility. Trevor has been doing this for many years and can build trust & friendship which seems to come easily to him.

Another busy year has come and gone, so much has happened in such a short time. The DAC Youth team is continuing to lead the way by attending almost every regatta possible. They are supported by a group of dedicated parents who are exceptional people doing exceptional things. Things like getting sailors to competitions and regattas whether it is interclub, state, national, or world titles is amazing. The mastering of logistics in getting organised, equipped, travel, housed (family, people & boats) so that sailors can participate and compete under the DAC banner. Thanks to all members who serve on association and other committees that organise & conduct regattas.

Thank you and well done to all sailors & families who travelled to many locations and represented DAC. I hope you all enjoyed the experience, if not the competition, and showed the sailing community the DAC friendly spirit. The outstanding results on the water are demonstrated by applying the new skills and confidence on their return; you just keep getting better and better. The DAC flag was flown high and our sailors show their competition how much they have improved. Some highlights will be in the class reports.

The Youth team has expanded into Lasers and Sailboards and now cover five classes. Some regattas were class specific and the excellent turnout and dedication has resulted with equally impressive results. The number of siblings who are keen to get involved in sailing is a credit to the parents and shows that the enthusiasm of their older family members must be there to be passed down. This is brilliant.

Richie Reynolds & Lissa McMillan have continued their quest for World Championship sailboard domination, this year in France, and so continue to promote the Aussie spirit. Their performances as usual were first-rate, well done. Congratulations to all sailboarders and their supporters who have attended interclub regattas!

As Commodore of DAC I am honoured to know that I have a part in the continued promotion of sailing and to help members and their families appreciate that Sailing is a lot about support, externally and internally, that allows them to be dynamic participants and apply these skills into their daily lives. Sailing provides opportunities for people to enjoy that unique environment where the wind meets the water. Thank You to all the parents and volunteers who provide a great spirit that makes it possible for us to organize our club effectively.

If not for our multitude of volunteers, evident at the Awards night; when they got together for an appreciated thank you. They collectively put in thousands of hours of work each year; if not for them then the operation of DAC would grind to a halt. I value the dedication of our coaches and would like to say thanks to Trevor, Lyndal, Samantha, Alana, Bryn, Garth, Maxine, Oliver, Oscar, Rosie, Richie, Lissa, and Robin. Our passionate coaches prepare our learn-to-sail sailors by instilling lifelong skills and making sailing gratifying and fun. I hope

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

that our LTS sailors will become long term members of DAC and to sailing; and I am certain that sailing will help them build resilience and team spirit.

This year’s “DAC Annual Appreciation Award” went to Kathy Barton. Choosing one from many nominees for recognition is always difficult. Kathy has given many hours, days, and weeks to the club and I would like to thank Kathy for corralling members, organising all the social events and planning all the meals. Kathy has an easy going attitude is ever helpful to all members. Thanks Kathy for doing such a tough job. This year I also recognised a number of key contributors (14) to DAC with a Valued Service token key chain in appreciation and as reminder of the work they have done and the work they will continue to perform.

Endeavours by our sailors are incredible. I know we will continue to celebrate their successes. So, here's to DAC's volunteers, whose dedication and belief in all our sailors compels them to continue committing their time & effort. So everyone please remember to say “Thanks” at every opportunity.

To the Class Captains thank you for your help and support over the season. To our race officers Ivan and Glenny, thank you for turning up each week and for your efforts that make our race day efficient. To Chris Allen who looks after our racing equipment, rescue boats and also keeps a weathered eye on all of us. Great work as usual from our Rescue Support captain Rocco Mariani and to all the other volunteer skippers & crews – Thank You.

The social events this year continued on their successful growth, getting bigger and more lavish. Thanks to Kathy, Zoran and assistants for planning, catering & cleaning-up of the club championship BBQs, Open Season, Christmas, & Awards Night parties. These are great occasions for getting together as a club.

To Linda, our canteen officer; thank you for all your efforts each week and thank you for coming back each year, all your hard work and your welcoming smile.

I would like to thank all sailing members for your continued support. Without your support we would never be able to continue doing what we do. I look forward to seeing you on the water, have fun, stay safe and bring on the Nor’easters.

Fair Winds!

Greg Shore – Commodore

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Optimist / O’pen BIC Class Report

Racing at DAC for the 2017-2018 season was a little less competitive than previous years. Whilst we had 18 Optimists registered, we only had about 8 regular Optimists racing. That said, we now have a very strong green fleet, so looking forward to closer competition next season. Our O’Ppen BIC numbers have dwindled this season, from 7 down 3 due to many of our teenagers graduating into Laser 4.7s, Laser Radials and BIC Technos.

We had 5 kids for whom it was their first year in racing: Jess, Elizabeth, Philippa, Sebastian and Harry.

They joined our 10 sailors from the previous season: Edie, Dom, Zane, Aiden, Felix, Sebastian, Ethan, Tomas, Samuel and Spencer.

From transition 2017-2018 we welcome these sailors who are already off and racing in their own boats: Airlie, Eric, Kris, Bella & Maya.

Optimist Upper Harbour Challenge 2017-2018

The Optimist Upper Harbour Challenge, in its 4th year, is a great mini-regatta was well attended - with 35 entries. This mini-regatta is held alternately at Hunters Hill Sailing Club and DAC with 12 races this year over 5 days with some excellent wind conditions. It was great to see so many new sailors from both clubs join in. Unfortunately this year, the line honours goes to the HHSC sailors with 9 sailors in the top 10! Well done guys. Congratulations to the top DAC sailor, Spencer Oxnam who finished 8th. Let's aim to get the cup back at DAC next year. Thank you to our race committee for accommodating such a large fleet.

Open Bic Upper Harbour Challenge 2017-2018

This year we held the inaugural BIC interclub with Greenwich Sailing Club. There were 4 BICs from DAC plus 5 from GSC attending. We held 12 races over 6 days alternating at GSC. The DAC sailors were all superior and the good sportsmanship and friendly rivalry between the sailors was great to see.

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

List of Regattas attended by our Opti/BICs this Season

Members of our DAC Youth Team travelled to many regattas this season including NZ, QLD, ACT and VIC. A couple of highlights:

Late 2017 was a busy time for regattas for the BICs: • The NSW Youths up at Lake Macquarie involved what some would call some "team racing tactics" to score Aiden 2nd and Dominic 7th. • Aiden came 4th in the Mannering Park Dolphin Chaser. This is always a fun yet competitive regatta. • The competition was tough at the NSW O'pen Cup at Mannering Park with Aiden finishing 13th and Dominic 15th. • Sail Sydney at WSC is always a challenge with the wind conditions where Dominic finished 5th, and Aiden 6th.

Then in early 2018, • The DAC BICs again did well this year at the Kurnell O'pen Cup with Aiden 5th and Dominic 7th.

The Optimists attended heaps of regattas, some of them were:

• DAC had strong representation in all 3 fleets at the NSW Youth Championships at Lake Macquarie in October- Ethan in Open, Spencer & Zane in Intermediate and Airlie, Bella & Maya in Green fleet. • The ACT Championships in Canberra is always a great regatta with 8 DAC Optis and their families in attendance. • 5 DAC Optis headed up to RQYS in QLD for the Optimist Nationals in January with some great results: Ethan 1Oth in Open, Spencer 29th in Intermediate, Zane 58th in Intermediate, Airlie 34th in Green and Bella 41st in Green. • At the Optimist NSW states at RPAYC in March, the DAC fleet was full of girls (Edie, Beth, Philippa, Airlie, Bella & Maya) plus of course Ethan (4th in Open fleet!) and Spencer. • At the NZ Nationals, Ethan represented Australia (and DAC) in some tough wind conditions and finished 12 with 3rd in Australia. An amazing achievement.

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Optimist Season Results:

Event 1ST 2ND 3RD CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Spencer Oxnam Edie Arkell Airlie Goodridge POINTSCORE Spencer Oxnam Edie Arkell Samuel Nakat POINTSCORE 1st 10yo Airlie Goodridge POINTSCORE 1st Cadet Airlie Goodridge – new sailor HANDICAP Spencer Oxnam Edie Arkell Airlie Goodridge POINTSCORE STEWART LONG CUP Zane Goodridge SHORT COURSE Spencer Oxnam Edie Arkell Samuel Nakat SERIES HOLIDAY SERIES Zane Goodridge Ethan Lozevski Spencer Oxnam

O’pen Bic Season Results:

Event 1ST 2ND 3RD CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Aiden Hodzic Dominic Bates Felix Leech POINTSCORE Aiden Hodzic Felix Leech Dominic Bates HANDICAP Felix Leech Aiden Hodzic Dominic Bates POINTSCORE STEWART LONG CUP Aiden Hodzic SHORT COURSE Aiden Hodzic Felix Leech Dominic Bates SERIES HOLIDAY SERIES Aiden Hodzic Rosie Collyer Felix Leech

Participating Optimist / O’pen Bic sailors

Sailor Boat Class Boat Name Edie Arkell Optimist Aurora Dominic Bates O’pen Bic Dominator 2.0 Harry Drew Optimist * New sailor Sea Monkey Jess Flynn Optimist * New sailor Break Wind Airlie Goodridge Optimist * New sailor Aerodynamic Zane Goodridge Optimist Aerodynamic Aiden Hodzic O’pen Bic Rapid Fire Maya Hodzic Optimist Firebolt Felix Leech O’pen Bic Sebastian Optimist * New sailor Aquacat Ethan Lozevski Optimist Vitesse Tomas Lozevski Optimist Atomic Bella Lozevski Optimist * New sailor Ella Bella Samuel Nakat Optimist Nitro Spencer Oxnam Optimist Wild Ox Elizabeth Ryder Optimist * New sailor Slick Philippa Ryder Optimist * New sailor Firefly Eric Scholten Optimist * New sailor

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Thanks

A very big thank you to the DAC committee for their great support. A special thank you to our coaches Dana, Jaime and Ollie. The DAC Youth Team has been to many regattas this season and their results are better than ever. The parents of our sailors continue to amaze me with their support, camaraderie, effort and dedication to the club and our DAC Youth Team. We now have a family-focused community all working towards growing the club through fun on and off the water.

Sam Hodzic – Optimist & O’pen BIC Class Captain

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

DAC Youth Development 2017/18

Our DAC Youth Team is now spread out across 5 classes: Optimists (15), O’pen BICs (3), Laser 4.7s, Laser Radials (2) and BIC Technos (3). It’s great to see such diversity amongst our sailors and yet for them all to feel like they are part of one team.

The O’pen BIC has proven to be a great young-teen pathway boat (a step between an Optimist and a Laser or BIC Techno). Additionally the BICs introduce the sailors to skiff-type sailing at an early age.

This season, DAC introduced BIC Technos as a pathway class for teenagers interested in pursuing sailboarding. This class is growing rapidly throughout Australia and the world. Richie and Lissa have been instrumental in running learn to windsurf classes on the club- owned BIC Technos. In one year, to have grown this class from zero to 3 keen sailboarders is a great start which will intend to continue next season.

Training continues to be an integral part of the DAC Youth Team as it not only enables our sailors to continue to advance their sailing skills therefore increasing their confidence on the water, but it cements friendships and grows a sense of team spirit. Training runs weekly for our DAC Youth Team throughout the summer season and every second week throughout the winter season.

Thank you to the fantastic coaches, Ollie, Jamie & Dana for continuing to provide training for the Youth Team. We also would like to thank Craig Armour for nurturing our Laser 4.7 sailors and providing tips throughout the year. Many thanks to the DAC committee for their continued support throughout the year.

Pre-Christmas Camp

The DAC Youth Team has held a pre-Christmas 3 day race camp for the past 3 years down at Botany Bay. It is an opportunity for those sailors intending to sail at Nationals to have race focused sessions run in less familiar waters. This year our 14 sailors from DAC were joined by a several of the local sailors from Yarra Bay Sailing Club. Our regular trainers led by our ‘guest coach’ Haylee Outteridge put our sailors through their paces for 3 full days.

Sleepover Report

The DAC Youth Team (plus Transition Class) held their annual sleepover on 24th & 25th of February this year. This was the 4th consecutive year that we’ve held this sleepover and continues to be the DAC Youth Team highlight of the season.

This year we had a record 25 kids - 9 Transition fleeters, 6 Optis, 3 BICs, 3 BIC Technos & 2 Lasers, 1 Tasar, 1 Flying 11 - an awesome turnout. Again we split into 5 teams, this year giving our 13/14/15 yos a chance to lead (rather than the usual oldest ones) - thanks to Aiden, Dom, Ethan, Felix & Gilbert for stepping up and helping make the afternoon, night and next day run smoothly.

This year, the weather was kinder to us than previous years. On Saturday afternoon after racing, the kids all had a chance to try out different boats - special thanks to Zane and Cindy for bringing the Flying 11 along for everyone to try, and for Dana for bringing along a 420 - a chance for the bigger kids to get out in something fast!

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

The movie “Swallows & Amazons” (2016) is a lovely family adventure movie based on my daughter Maya’s favourite book series by Arthur Ransome - if you are looking for great books to encourage your sailor to read - I recommend this highly. Thank you again to our in- house AV guy Zoran (Ethan, Tomas & Bella’s dad) for setting up the AV equipment upstairs.

This year we had build-your-own burgers for dinner (rather than the standard pizza). All kids seemed to love this - thanks Kathy for your hard work here.

On Sunday morning we set sail for far-away lands… well Birkenhead where we were welcomed by the Drummoyne SC team with the call - “Ahoy pirates!!”. There we met Bill (Oscar & Gilbert’s granddad) with ice-creams a-plenty to fuel us all up for the sail back to DAC.

Thank you to all parents that provided the lunch on our return as well as all the help we had over the weekend.

Regattas

DAC encourages the sailors in our DAC Youth Team to travel to other clubs for regattas and interclubs to meet, sail and train with a wider range of children. Sailing in other bodies of water, gives our sailors exposure to different conditions and tends to increase their sailing appetite. The kids make friends and have loads of fun at these regular events.

Number of DAC Youth Regattas Location - Month Team Sailors Optimist East Coast Championships GRSC - June 1 QLD Youth Week RQYS - July 1 Optimist TT2 MHYC - September 1 Icebreaker Series RPAYC - Winter 6 NSW Youth Championships SLMASC - October 10 BIC Dolphin Chaser Mannering Park - October 1 ACT Optimist Championships Canberra - October 8 NSW O'pen BIC Cup Mannering Pk - November 2 Sail Sydney Woollahra - December 6 Optimist Nationals RQYS, QLD - January 5 Kurnell O'pen Cup Kurnell - February 2 Optimist Traveller’s Trophy TT4 Gosford - February 7 Laser Metro Championships Drummoyne - March 2 Optimist NSW States RPAYC - March 8 BIC Techno States Woollahra - March 1 Optimist VIC States Blairgowrie VIC - March 1 Optimist NZ Nationals Picton, NZ - March 1

This year a focus for me as DAC Youth Development Officer has been to encourage our “grow-our-own-trainers” program within DAC. Our Learn to Sail class run by Trevor and Lyndall is now supplemented with 7 of our Youth trainers: Alana, Bryn, Garth, Maxine, Ollie, Oscar, Rosie. Thanks all for your professionalism and care towards our youngest sailors throughout the season. Next season, we intend that this set of sailors will be joined by extra new DAC Youth Team sailors that have passed their Powerboat Course and Assistant Dinghy Instructors course this season.

If anyone has any suggestions on how to improve our youth program, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Simone Houghton – DAC Youth Development Officer

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Heron Class Report

The Heron class has been sailing at DAC for over forty years. The fleet shrank quite a bit this season and only three boats were racing regularly on Saturday afternoons and are sailing in the Open class.

Robin Pidd tried out a Spiral for the beginning of the season but decided to return to the Heron class for the remainder of the summer season. After a number of gear failures Robin was questioning his decision to return to the Heron, but it was all clear sailing for the last few races.

No formal results were recorded this season but the Herons did decide to contest the final few races of the season for the honour of the winning the “Easter Egg” cup. With the winner claiming bragging rights by eating breakfast from it every morning. The inaugural winner was Ruth Allen and Anita Vangelista in “Windchaser” followed closely by Kate & Nathan Sinclair in “Leapfrog” and third was Robin Pidd and Susan Eldridge in “New Tricks”.

DAC is keen to continue to promote the Heron class, as it is a particularly good family boat that allows a parent and child combination, or two parents can sail while the younger ones scoot around in their Opti’s and Bic’s. If you are interested in joining the DAC fleet then ask any of the Heron sailors for advice; or any number of sailors at DAC who were once Heron sailors. Remember there is nothing quite like messing around in boats.

Thank you to the Heron crews for continuing to support the class. I also hope to see many more Herons on the water in 2018-2019.

Greg Shore - Commodore

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Tasar Class Report

The Tasar class had 12 registered boats this season.

The Club Championship was won by Anton and Vicky Lynar, who travel all the way from Orange to sail with us. They also won their division in the state titles. Sam and Dave on One Rose were very close behind. Sam and Dave also won the C J Rose cup again. Mick and Mark won the Pointscore in Wonatewonate.

Sean and Trent joined us on El Control and had a great season. Their sons thought they had too much fun and I’m told the will be bringing another Tasar to the fleet next season. We have also had interest from another boat from outside wanting to join us.

Most improved boat this season would have to be split between El Control (Sean & Trent) and Dave and Brendon on the Blue Boat.

Club Championship 1st Prime Suspect Anton Lynar Vicky Lynar 2nd One Rose Samantha Rose David Evans 3rd Wonatewonate Mark Schafer Michael Costa

Pointscore 1st Wonatewonate Mark Schafer Michael Costa 2nd Banjo Matthew Rafferty Julian Burgess 3rd Funk Stuff Duncan Sim Bella/Arlo Sim

Short Series - Pointscore 1st Prime Suspect Anton Lynar Vicky Lynar 2nd Wonatewonate Mark Schafer Michael Costa 3rd Banjo Matthew Rafferty Julian Burgess

Stewart Long Cup 1st El Control Sean Taplin Trent Lay

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

C J Rose Trophy - West Harbour Islands Cruise 1st One Rose Samantha Rose David Evans 2nd Bockscar Richard Stewart Greg Shore

Richard Stewart – Tasar Class Captain

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Laser Full Rig Class Report

The full rig lasers fleet shrunk down to 5 boats this season while the 4.7 and radial fleets continued to be more popular. The larger sail was not always an advantage, with some of us eyeing off the smaller sails on windy days from our capsized vantage point.

The season was marked by several malfunctions including Craig “am I sailing this boat hard or is it normal for a laser to split in two?” Bruce “what made me think a plastic fitting was a good idea where a metal one may not have busted during my last race?” and Geoff “should I have been wearing a helmet that day or is blood pouring down my face a good thing?”

The club championship was hard fought with Geoff winning the first heat, Craig winning the next 3 and Steve taking honours in the last 2 heats. Steve won the trophy with the strategy of coming second in all the heats he did not win a great way to accumulate points. So to the delight of the household Steve takes home the trophy again, not for the first time, in fact Steve first took this trophy home 19 years ago shortly after arriving at the Club from Penrith.

Most fastest times was a mixed bag with Craig taking that trophy despite only sailing about half the season for various reasons, Steve was also very consistent being fastest around the course in six races.

In the pointscore Geoff had the handicap results all worked out to secure this prestigious trophy, the simple strategy of racing regularly secures points, if only the same strategy assured faster sailing?

The inclusion of the 4.7 fleet was plenty of incentive for the full rigs to sail fast, there is nothing like a young sailor in front of you asking “why are behind me with a big sail?” to get you going. Training was also provided on water to improve our skills encouragements like “you really need to get to the Gym” indicating that there maybe more work to be done.

Thanks to Tom Koch for keeping the results and handicap sheets. Thanks again to the starters, rescue boat drivers and all the other volunteers who make Saturday at DAC so enjoyable.

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Event 1ST 2ND 3RD Club Steve Snars Geoff Wilson Craig Armour Championship Most Fastest Craig Armour (7) Steve Snars (6) Geoff Wilson (4) Times Season Point Geoff Wilson Steve Snars Craig Armour Score Spring Point Geoff Wilson Steve Snars Craig Armour Score Summer Point Geoff Wilson Steve Snars Craig Armour Score

Geoff Wilson – Class Captain

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Laser Radial / 4.7 Report

With the maturing of our youth sailors it was only a matter of time before their presence was felt in the Laser class, particularly the Radial / 4.7 classes.

As usual thanks to all competitors who showed up each week to support the class, and to those sailors who participated in interclub regattas.

The Laser Radial / 4.7 class continues to get new blood due to the passage of our juniors who continue their sailing pathways in Lasers, and the senior sailors would like to say “bring it on”. Bronwyn and Matt are continuing to wave the flag and racing is close. We hope this strong competition continues throughout the next season.

A number of sailors competed in Laser regattas and represented DAC. Well done to all those who competed.

The club championship was won by Thomas and is on his way for the record of the most championships won in a single class. He is very close to achieving this goal. He will be under pressure next year when our new (to the class) sailors continue to hone their hard earned skills and make for closer racing times.

Thanks again to the committees that look after the club and many thanks to the Starters and other volunteers that allow us to race each week. Thanks to Linda in the canteen who is always there from early morning to sundown.

We look forward to next season with more sailors competing for the big trophies.

Greg Shore – Commodore

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Raceboard Class Report

I’m pleased to report the Raceboard Class continues to be one of the biggest fleets at DAC, with Saturday sailing numbering 10-15 regular sailors and Wednesday Twilight sailing numbering around 16-20 each week as well.

Included in these numbers are a some of our graduates from the Learn to Windsurf classes, run throughout the year, by Lissa and Richie, as well as some who have perhaps sailed windsurfers in the distant past but have only recently come back to it.

The transition from beginner, to sailing with the main fleet is not easy and it is a testimony to the efforts of Lissa and Richie as well as the determination of the students and newcomers. In my view, one of the secrets of the success of the raceboard class in retaining many of the students and new members, and it's true for DAC more widely, is the competitive, yet encouraging and collaboratively friendly atmosphere of the class, we all want to win but its more about doing your best than beating the other guy or girl to the line, it’s about meeting the challenge of the wind, and conditions and sailing your best race.

You’ll more often hear shouts of encouragement than shouts of "get out of the way" when newbies are in the wrong place at the wrong time and the loaning of gear to newer and progressing sailors is so common the starters don’t even blink when the same sail number comes across the finish line 2 or sometimes 3 times in the same race.

Of course this friendly atmosphere is found on and off the water at DAC but is most evident after sailing on the balcony, where the days racing is discussed and analysed, as well as many other topics, peppered with humour a dash of the absurd and perhaps a drop or two of alcohol as well.

Looking to the future, I’m happy to report with the recently completed storage shed, we have been able to expand the storage of windsurfing equipment for members as well as easier access for the training boards and equipment, additionally we have purchased a number of the Bic Techno boards and rigs, for training as well as to establish a junior fleet at DAC. The Bic Techno is the official board and rig for the youth division and is the feeder class for the Olympic RSX class.

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Establishing a youth Raceboard class at DAC gives another option for our young sailors at DAC who have out grown the Opti, but are not yet willing or perhaps unable to purchase a Laser for example, yet want to continue their sailing, being a one design class, they are able to compete against other clubs and participate in the Rippers series as well as State and National training for the Techno Class.

We are yet to truly see the results of our efforts but with most things, from little things big things grow and seeing some of the talented kids at DAC taking to windsurfing like ducks take to water we are particularly excited for the future of Raceboards at DAC.

I would like to congratulate Adam Hampton, Overall Pointscore winner, Richie Reynolds, winner of the Stewie Long Cup and Club Champion and Lissa McMillan taking out the Female Pointscore winners trophy, additionally I would like to thank the DAC Raceboard Class in general, for their friendship, encouragement and support throughout the season.

Lastly I would like to thank the committee, the starters the rescue crews as well as the unseen people that work tirelessly behind the scenes, who run the canteen or buy the fuel, who fix that broken thing or just ensure the battery on the two way is charged each week so that we can have a safe and enjoyable sailing day. Often its unseen work but the benefits are felt and noticed and greatly appreciated by us all. Thank you.

Boards at the ready Happy Sailing

Greg MacInnes - Raceboard Captain

1 - Try a Techno

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Learn-to-Sail

We have had a great time coaching everyone this season. We started out with great weather with everyone learning lots of new skills before the Christmas break. We were also very fortunate to receive 4 of the 8 new Opti’s so that more of our junior sailors could practice their single handed sailing skills. Despite a lack of wind toward the end of the season, everyone had a great time learning to be towed and sailing around Rodd Island. We look forward to seeing most of the class attending again next season.

Trevor and Lyndal would like to thank our co-coaches, Alana, Bryn, Garth, Maxine, Oscar and Rosie.

A big thank you to all of the parents who helped with rigging and launching the boats throughout the year, we hope you enjoyed your time with us as well!

Class of 2017/18

Oscar Vasak Romeo MacMillian Austin Hughes Nash Smith Elizabeth Allan Oscar Lane Charlotte Allan Maggie Kemp Emma William Robertson Shannon-Hooper Nino Lorenzato Nicole Scholten Jonty Garland Jack Wilson Evann Woolsey Leela Velayutham-Wise Ben Owens Oliver Turner Aurelio MacMillian Rose Turner Hailie Scarr

Lyndal Douglas & Trevor Larance – Coach

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

Social Committee Report

This year’s social events calendar was again very full with 3 planned social events and 5 club championship BBQs. In addition, the social committee successfully made use of TryBooking for both the Christmas Party and Awards Night, further streamlining the process of managing attendance, contact details, dietary requirements, and budgets. This proved to be a simple and convenient solution for members to make bookings, with in excess of 95% of guests utilising the system for booking these events.

Events for the past year:

Youth Team Start of Season BBQ 16 September 2017 50 guests Christmas Party 09 December 2017 83 guests Awards Night 05 May 2018 92 guests

The start of season BBQ was a great success and the perfect way to say “thank you” to DAC for the continued support of the club’s youth winter training program. Held immediately after sailing, around 50 members enjoyed a BBQ including mini burgers, salads, and desserts, all of which were homemade and donated by Youth Team families.

The Christmas Party was extremely well attended this year, and along with the usual disco, the DAC Youth Team “orchestra” provided DAC members with an impressive performance of various Christmas carols. Special thanks to Kathryn Zerk for her creative input in organising and managing the performance.

In addition, 5 Club Championship BBQs were held with attendance averaging around 60 members and their families on each occasion. The focus of these events was to create a welcoming atmosphere for members to socialise across classes by offering a range of food catering to all tastes and dietary requirements.

Many thanks to all volunteers who selflessly donated their time, providing set up and pack up support along with additional catering on each occasion. The involvement of many volunteers meant that we were again able to supplement each event (including the club championship BBQs) with homemade catering and additional decorating and theming, whilst keeping prices at an affordable level for members.

Kathy Barton

DOBROYD AQUATIC CLUB ANNUAL REPORT 2017 – 2018

RC Laser

2017-2018 has been another good year, with the highlight undoubtedly the Championship of Nations held on the Gold Coast during November 2017. This was a world class event, held for the first time in Australia, with International entrants. The week-long series culminated in an excellent result for Australia, taking the first 5 places; establishing our position in the RC Laser world. Scott Fleming from Victoria won the event, with Graham Brown representing DAC coming seventh, then Peter Newman at 15th, Robin Tickner and Noel McPherson 23rd and 24th ; and others from DAC taking regular places throughout the result sheet in a fleet of 54 boats. A great result for DAC.

We are maintaining an active and vibrant group of sailors, with more focus now on the Thursday group. We constantly have 10-12 sailing on the day. We still struggle with the numbers on Sundays, but they are no less enthusiastic. Through the year, we have lost a few sailors, but then we have new sailors coming into the group to take their place.

The 2017 Australian Championship was held in conjunction with the Championship of Nations; with DAC’s best placed sailor being Graham Brown.

The 2017 NSW RC Laser Championships were sailed at Dobroyd as a last hitout just prior to the Gold Coast event. Because of this, we had a number of interstate and international entrants. Again, Scott Fleming was the winner of the event, followed by Graham Brown.

We continue to sail on alternate Sundays starting at 1.00 p.m.; and every Thursday afternoon starting at 11.30 p.m.

We wish to thank Dobroyd Aquatic Club for its ongoing support and assistance.

Noel McPherson - Class Captain