Avalon Club

September 2020

Glorious winter sunsets - photo Claudie Moffatt In this issue: Commodore’s Report, 2020 AGM Report, Meet Your Committee, List of Awards, Opening Day Details, Guess Who - Don’t Sue, Favourite Knots, Awards and Trophy Winners, Winter Race Series Results, Foiling is the New Normal, Building Upgrade, History of Avalon Sailing Club and lots more! At The Helm - Commodore’s Report

We go into the 20/21 Sailing Season with the Deck will be promoted with special the building works and his tireless efforts the ongoing Covid 19 pandemic hanging events but it is primarily for the kids to as Secretary. like a dark cloud over our heads. For most have some fun in and out of the water and Club Trophy - For someone who is particu- of us Sailing is not just a sport that allows for parents to socialise, albeit Covid style! larly helpful in the club but also “fun” (or a us to compete and enjoy the beautiful and Also feel free to promote amongst your bit of a larrikin) to be around was award- natural surroundings of Pittwater but it’s friends that the ASC will now accept ed to Chris Zonca for his hard work as Club also a great contributor to our social lives membership and possible storage of boards Captain, running the Sunday Centreboard where we can enjoy a wine or beer amongst of active Paddlers - Kayaks and SUPs etc fleet and organising the always successful friends at the conclusion of the day’s holiday sailing camps. events. These ‘norms’ are under threat. A The renovations are progressing well under recent restriction is that we are not to cross the stewardship of Ian Craig with the new Helping Hand Trophy - As it says - awarded ‘regions’ to go sailing. This is causing real staircase installed. Removal of the old stair to a person(s) who has put in a lot of effort problems for all the Sydney Clubs and we and new store will follow shortly….. with in helping the Club – this year awarded are currently seeking clarification on this. planning for a new Bar to replace the old to Barry Black for all his help with the We will probably have to live with the Covid office! A financial donation could well see renovation works and managing the 19 restrictions for this season and beyond. your family name immortalised above the maintenance of the Clubhouse. In the meantime the ASC will continue to Bar!! And finally theRyves Shield for Club- follow the guidelines. Please remember to Sailing and Club Awards. Due to Covid 19 manship - the Club’s highest award for Log In when you enter the club. restrictions we feel that having a formal outstanding contribution to the Club goes On a brighter note there is much to look presentation is just not possible. So instead to Jane Durham for putting in 3 years as forward to. The big news is that the ASC see below the full Centreboard and Yacht commodore and generally being the go-to recently became an accredited Australian Awards. These can be collected from the person to get things ‘done’. Sailing, Discover Sailing Centre offering ASC on Opening Day 13 September. A Thanks for reading and we look forward to structured Learn to Sail & Powerboat heartfelt congratulations to all participants! seeing everyone at Opening Day! courses. Finally we need to thank and congratulate Larry Eastwood This program is better suited to our club some special members of our club. Commodore and community needs and streamlines Firstly James George who has been made a [email protected] the process. Much more on this will be Life Member for his generous donations to published on the website shortly. Please direct Discover Sailing enquires to Chris Zonca who is Centreboard Captain and the instigator of this program. Registration Day was 30 August and saw a good number of new kids enrolling but many families still need to renew membership and enrol. Just go to www. avalonsailingclub.com.au/membership/ renew. If you have any problems please email info @avalonsailingclub.com.au. Our season starts on September 13th, so please renew your membership before arriving for sail training or racing! On the Yacht front things are looking brighter again for the wet Etchells fleet. A combined program has been devised with the RPAYC with both clubs hosting dedicated Sprint events through the year. I have a very great wish for the ASC to return to the days of families racing together and as such I wish to spruik the Wet Etchells as it’s a great cheap entry yacht into competitive and twilight sailing. It’s an ideal boat for Mum and / or Dad with older kids to go racing. I know of a Wet Etchells going for less than $1000! We need to see our membership and participation grow, so Friday Evenings on

Larry Eastwood onboard Sylvia on Pittwater 2 Important Message - Pittwater Sailing Region

Due to public health measures is- Beaches with the exception of those There will be further approaches to sued by NSW Health, community suburbs that are located in the Man- the Department of Sport and Rec- sports are required to make opera- ly Ward. reation and NSW Health in coming tional changes and limit participa- Details of the ‘Pittwater Sailing Re- days to resolve both operational tion to people that live within cer- gion’ are in the attached internet and participation issues that have tain areas. file. been created by the formation of these regions. For our sport, the changes included The idea behind this requirement the creation of various ‘Sailing Re- from NSW Health is to keep people We will keep you informed of future gions’ that have been nominated by local when travelling for communi- developments. Australian Sailing. ty sport. James George We are in the ‘Pittwater Sailing Re- This is a bit of change to what we ASC Secretary gion’ and that means only those have been used to, however, hope- https://cdn.revolutionise.com. that live within this specific region fully it’s only for the next six weeks. au/cups/avalonsailingclub/files/ are able to participate in Avalon alwm8pkegtmlfdx7.pdf Sailing Club’s activities. The concept of ‘Sailing Regions’ has been problematic for many Clubs in The ‘Pittwater Sailing Region’ in- the Greater Sydney Area. cludes all suburbs of the Northern AGM Report Well the annual general meeting on it’s Friday, let’s come down to the club’. Two life members were introduced to the August 9th this year broke new ground and Families and kids are encouraged to come club: ZOOMed into the video conference era with down, grab a boat and sail or paddle while 1. Brian Milton, Club Captain 1984-’85 more than 20 members experiencing the a series of social events aimed at being season, who met his wife to be soon after he joys of the gallery view. interesting, entertaining and involving will joined the club and on the day of the AGM be held. Here are some of the highlights: celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary. • Larry Eastwood seeks someone with less Larry ended with a passionate plea to the 2. James George, the Secretary of the club. grey hair centreboard contingent for somebody with • Chris Zonca discovers sailing less grey hair than him to step up and take Brian recalled that the winner of the Friday • Brian Milton becomes a life member and on the vacant role of Vice Commodore - night twilight race got a bottle of Port that celebrates 51 years of marriage send your entries care of the secretary@ was passed around everybody who came to • New racing rule: Port gives way to Pinot avalonsailingclub.com.au. the after race BBQ - Larry commented that • The club’s health is in good shape it’s now a bottle of Pinot. The big news for centreboarders is that • The cruising division explores new ways Chris Zonca, the Club Captain, has put a Martin Didsbury, the Treasurer, gave a brief to socially distance tremendous amount of work in to achieve resumé of the club’s financial situation. • WASZP kids in their 50s welcome accreditation from Australian Sailing for the And although income was down slightly • Can the club to the moon? club to become a Discover Sailing Centre. and expenditure was up, the club is in And you thought AGMs were boring - not if a healthy position with a profit of over There are a couple of significant advantage you come to Avalon Sailing Club. $24,000 and cash reserves of $136,000. for the club. Firstly, all of our students now Larry Eastwood, the Commodore, explored will get logbooks and they will get their David Baker, the Cruising Coordinator, how the club has changed throughout recognised accreditations and go through reported that it had been a quiet year; a the years; from once having the biggest the curriculum of Australian Sailing so there few members left, moved on, retired or fleet of Flying Fifteens in Australia to the is a whole structure of how they develop moved up the coast. introduction of the new fleet of WASZPs. their sailing skills. Secondly, it means we About six boats were regular cruising can now access a pool of instructors from Now we are working towards finding new attendees last year but that dropped down Australian Sailing when we need temporary members for the club, new participants, to one or two this year. instructors. new ways of enjoying the club, new ways In the last third of the year social distancing of using the club. As Larry says we don’t Super Fleet will continue this year - last year has been a little awkward for the cruising use the club enough, the building sits there we had a champion in Jan Scholten with club, but by rafting up, with all boats empty five days of the week. There are second and third places going to Charlie pointing into the wind there are no cross plenty of opportunities for more things to Johnson and Kyle Johnson respectively. The breezes to spread the virus to other crews! happen with the club. club will also be working with the RPAYC to run a combined fleet of WASZPs. Ralf Moller, the internal racks monitor, One of which is the introduction of ‘if

3 reported on an enjoyable WASZP State thanked both Toni Fox for all her hard regatta held at Port Stephens. In his Thank You! work on the accounts side of things and opinion it’s the perfect class for the During the AGM Larry thanked Ian Craig Ralf Moller for the work he has done with club and kids as young as 13 or 14 were and his crew for the huge amount of work revSport all of which “makes my job so sailing in the States and the oldest ‘kids’ involved in the renovations. Barry and much easier”. there were in their 50s or 60s. Garry were picked out as leading lights but Brett thanked Martin Hickling for all And finally, Brett Stapleton, the yachts all the others involved were also thanked. the work he does on the yachts with racing coordinator, was bowled over by Larry thanked all the committees for the handicapping, emailing and so on - the amount of work Martin Hickling, keeping the club going, even those who estimated at 95 percent of the work in the yachts handicapper, puts in. Martin are not on any committee such as Martin the yacht group - “the yachts wouldn’t run sent Brett a spreadsheet showing all Hickling and Ian Craig. without him”. the formulae and calculations required for the handicapping - Brett’s comment In naming Brian Milton as a life member, Finally Larry thanked everyone for “I think Avalon could fly to the moon!” Larry thanked him for his contribution to participating in the AGM which was a the club. particularly lively one. James George - Secretary Martin, in ending his Treasurer’s report, James George - Secretary

Meet Your 2020/21 Committee

Larry Eastwood - James George - Martin Didsbury - Chris Zonca - Commodore Secretary Treasurer Club Captain

Paul Westcott - Jane Durham - Brett Stapleton - Jeff Conly - Strategic Planning Club Co-Ordinator Yacht Representative Powered Vessel & Membership & Past Commodore & Past Commodore Maintenance

Simon Hill - Ralf Moller Barry Black - Safety Officer IT Co-ordinator/Manager Club Maintenance

4 Centreboard Results and Trophies In lieu of a presentation due to Covid restrictions, trophies will be available for pickup on Opening Day, Sept 13 The Bellingham Shield - Jeff Conly on sailing. David Forbes was also a recipient as F11 Novice Summer Point Score Awarded to an outstanding Club centreboard was Jim Catts in 1965.” 1st Olivia Chaffers-Welsh & Eleanor Wise (1161 sailor (or parent) for being a good sports person, Holiday Trophy Living on the Edge) contributing to the running of the Club, inter- Blue - Matthew Croft, Byron Tonks 2nd Sabine Westley and Emma Tallis (1282 club events and good seamanship. Red - Oliver Fisk, Yanni Harris-Spillane, Isla Bell Elevation) Mr. H.G. Bellingham, a vice-president and patron For the most enthusiastic sailors from Blue/Red 3rd Dylan Zonca and Hugo Watson (1183 for many years, donated this Shield originally in Divisions. Dream On) 1946. A notable winner in 1951/52 was David Archina Cup F11 Novice Club Championship Forbes, for many years the Club VJ Captain Blue - Harry Perkins, Alex Baldi; Red - Sabine 1st Sabine Westley and Emma Tallis (1282 and who has probably represented Australia Westley, Eleanor Wise Elevation) internationally in world championships and For most improved two sailors from Blue/Red 2nd Dylan Zonca and Hugo Watson (1183 the Olympics (winning a gold medal) more Divisions Dream On) than any other yachtsman. Another winner in RESULTS BASED TROPHIES 3rd Olivia Chaffers-Welsh & Eleanor Wise (1161 1965/66 was Jim Catts. The Bellingham family, San Pedrico Shield: MJ Novice - Spring Point Living on the Edge) courtesy of Peter Bellingham, presented us with Score F11 Spring Point Score a restored trophy in 1997.” 1st Hayley Fisher and Megan Fisher (2686 Out 1st David Tulk & Alex Baldi (1393 Phillip Baker Trophy - David Tulk of Sight) Waverunner) Awarded to an outstanding male sailor for 2nd Charley Fowler and Isabella Parker (2717 2nd Quentin Willman & Lawrence Simpson assistance and inspiration to other sailors. Hero) (1294 K) Named in honour of Phillip Baker, a keen 3rd Zoe Parker and Ruby Fowler (2745 Raised F11 Summer Point Score young club sailor, who was crew on the yacht by Wolves) 1st David Tulk & Alex Baldi (1393 “Montego Bay” which sank with the loss of all Warren Payne Trophy: MJ Novice - Summer Waverunner) hands during a race off Botany Bay.” Point Score 2nd Quentin Willman & Lawrence Simpson 1st Charley Fowler & Isabella Parker (2717 (1294 K) Mary Ifould Trophy - Hero) F11 Club Championship Ros Read/Helena van de Linde 2nd Yani Harris-Spillane & Isla Bell (2720 1st Quentin Willman & Lawrence Simpson Awarded to an outstanding female sailor for BuzzBee) (1294 K) assistance and inspiration to other sailors. 3rd Peli Barry & Oliver Zonca (2682 Hissy Fit ) 2nd David Tulk & Alex Baldi (1393 Presented by Mary Ifould in 1966. Mary for Ian Clyde Smith Shield MJ Novice - Club Waverunner) many years sailed her Flying 15 “Trio” out of Championship Avalon in the 60’s and was probably one of 1st Charley Fowler & Isabella Parker (2717 Club Championship - Scratch Australia’s first women Flying 15 Skippers. Her Hero) 1st Jeff Conly (801 Inner Circle) son was also a member of the Club and her 2nd Zoe Parker and Ruby Fowler (2745 Raised 2nd Aran Wilman (899 Hippo Drive) husband Lister was a crew member on the yacht by Wolves) 3rd Helena van de Linde (813 Itambu) “Struan Marie”, winner of the Hobart race in 3rd Beau Gregg & Alex Baldi (2111 Airborne ) Spiral Club Championship - Handicap 1951 (when men were real men).” 1st Helena van de Linde (813 Itambu) O’pen Skiff Silver - Spring Point Score 2nd Jeff Conly (801 Inner Circle) Head-Ake Trophy - Joshua Tallis 1st Alice Fishburn (8302 Flying Fish) 3rd Ros Read (827 Blue) “Awarded to a sailor in Gold division who shows 2nd Emma Tallis (7484 Bob the Bic) commitment and perseverance. Donated by 3rd Oliver Fisk (7703) Wazsp Spring Point Score Geoff Carter’s parents. All of Geoff’s boats from O’pen Skiff Silver - Summer Point Score 1st Noah Quinlan (2059) onward have been called some 1st Oliver Fisk (7703) 2nd David Dooley (2175) form of “Ed-Ake” and most of us know why! 2nd Alice Fishburn (8302 Flying Fish) 3rd Richard Dooley (2635) 3rd Emma Tallis (7484 Bob the Bic) Wazsp Summer Point Score The Crew’s Trophy - MJ Charlie Fowler, O’pen Skiff Silver - Club Championship 1st Noah Quinlan (2059) F11 Alex Baldi 1st Oliver Fisk (7703) 2nd David Dooley (2175) Awarded to the crew giving the most support to 2nd Alice Fishburn (8302 Flying Fish) 3rd Moller (2207) the skipper during the season. 3rd Emma Tallis (7484 Bob the Bic) Waszp Club Championship Trophy - Zonca Family O’pen Skiff Gold - Spring Point Score 1st Noah Quinlan (2059) Awarded to the most outstanding junior family 1st Josh Tallis (7484 Bob the Bic) 2nd David Dooley (2175) for services to the Club. 2nd Charlie Johnson (10200 3rd Finn Moller (2207) Hydrophobic) The Championship Trophy - David Tulk 3rd Julien Williamson (8050 Excalibur) Awarded to a centreboard sailor for outstanding Rudder Trophy - Open Day O’pen Skiff Gold - Summer Point Score 1st representation of the Club at National, State & Aran Willman - Spiral Charlie Johnson (10200 Hydrophobic) Interclub events. 2nd Josh Tallis (7484 Bob the Bic) Scratch winner of largest centreboard fleet on 3rd Kyle Johnson (5050 Dig) Opening Day Our first Club trophy presented by Mr. J.G. O’pen Skiff Gold - Club Championship Vaughan, the founder of Avalon Sailing Club in 1st Charlie Johnson (10200 Hydrophobic) Pittwater Regatta - Australia Day 1938. The Vaughan boys, Les and Harold started 2nd Josh Tallis (7484 Bob the Bic) Jan Scholten - sailing their VJ’s in 1933 off Clareville Beach 3rd Jonah Griffiths (8195 Walk on Water) which inspired the local families to share a jig Awarded to the crew of a Centreboard from frame and combine to build a small fleet. By F11 Novice Spring Point Score Avalon, who sail well and demonstrate the 1937 there were 10 boats built and Mr Vaughan 1st Sabine Westley and Emma Tallis (1282 spirit of Australia Day organized, started and finished the fleet on the Elevation) area in which we now sail. In 1938 he officially 2nd Dylan Zonca and Hugo Watson (1183 formed the Club and donated the handsome Dream On) silver cup. The first winner in 1939 was Harold 3rd Olivia Chaffers-Welsh and Eleanor Wise Vaughan who became a great character on the (1161 Living on the Edge) Australian sailing scene and wrote many books 5 Shaz Too Trophy Winter Series (The Old Deck Trophy) ASC Series Results 1 JUST MAGIC II Chad Leggett 1 WIMMERA Ian Craig 2019-2020 2 GOLDFINGER Jan Evans 2 BANGALLA Martin Hickling 3 BANGALLA Martin Hickling 3 KULANI Noel Borel Retriever 2019-20 Commodore’s Trophy (QB, BWS) The Diane Cup 1 GOLDFINGER Jan Evans 1 DIABLO Jean Cross (Couta Boats Championship) 2 JUST MAGIC II Chad Leggett 2 KOOKABURRA Ralf Moller 1 0 0 3 ILUKA Di Mattes 3 BEAU SOLEIL Robert Batchelor 2 0 0 Quartet Bowl 2019-20 Hurrica Trophy (AS, RT, QB) 3 0 0 1 GOLDFINGER Jan Evans 1 JUST MAGIC II Chad Leggett Crews Race 2 DIABLO Jean Cross 2 GOLDFINGER Jan Evans 1 JUST MAGIC II Tess Leggett 3 JUST MAGIC II Chad Leggett 3 DIABLO Jean Cross 2 BEAU SOLEIL Neil Pierson Blue Water Shield 2019-20 Van Den Bosch Trophy 3 BANGALLA Nick White 1 CHAOS THEORY Karl Nielsen 1 PIRIHI/OYO Barry Black 2 KOOKABURRA Ralf Moller 2 BANGALLA Martin Hickling 3 SUMMER WINE Brett Stapleton 3 BEAU SOLEIL Robert Batchelor Koolong 2019-20 Opening Day Trophy 1 WIMMERA Glenn Barnes 1 VAMONOS Jim Dargeville 2 RESURGENT Rick Hall 2 JUST MAGIC II Chad Leggett 3 GREYBEARD Malcolm Bradford 3 COUNTESSA Bruce Potts Force 8 Cup for Avalon Series 2019-20 Two Islands Race 1 FORCE 8 Peter Gale 1 DIABLO Jean Cross 2 ELEMENT Rob Slack 2 JUST MAGIC II Chad Leggett 3 DIABLO Jean Cross 3 SUMMER WINE Brett Stapleton

Winter Race Results

The Winter Series was a closely contested The final race was in a pleasant nor’easter 8 helmed by Peter Gale put in consistent competition. The series was raced under and a sunny 24 degrees. Winter is over! Last performances each race to come 3rd in amended Sailing Instructions following year’s winner Wimmera and the runner-up the series. Chaos Theory helmed by Karl COVID measures which included clock Bangalla – both Etchells – couldn’t back up Nielsen also had a great series to take out based starts, self-timed finishes and contact in 2020. Instead, it was a year for the bigger 2nd place. The winner of the Winter Series tracing disclosures. yachts. for 2020 is Just Magic II. Despite the tough restrictions a total of Regular Spiral dinghy sailor turned yacht Congratulations to Chad, Jodi, Flick, Greg, 17 yachts contested the series. The race helm on Burrewarra, Ian Turner, with his and the other regular crew on such an conditions varied from barely a whimper crew put in some impressive performances excellent victory. of breeze to a blustery 25+ knot westerly. but just missed out on a podium spot. Force Martin Hickling

6 OPENING DAY Sunday Sept 13

It’s the first day of sailing for the season - Learn to Sail for Blue Group starts at 8am and Red Group at 8:30

1pm for the yachts sailing in the Retriever race Division 1 1.10pm for Division 2

2pm for the Gold Group and Spiral Club Championship race 1

Sail past Lucinda from 12:30 for the salute to the Commodore

Dress up day for boats & crews!!!

7 Clubhouse Upgrade

Work is well advanced on the latest phase tion of the stair itself was carried out by Pe- continue until the old stair is demolished of the masterplan to upgrade the Club- ter Kendall, who along with the rest of his and new racks constructed in its place – to house facilities: the relocation and replace- family sailed at ASC when he was younger. commence as soon as the new stair is com- ment of the stairs. The main objective is He was also responsible for the upgrade of missioned. to provide as much separation as possible the balcony during the last off season. The The next phase of the planned work will between the two points of egress from the installation of balustrades and wall linings then be enabled: completing the entry building – the front door and the top of is being carried out by volunteer club mem- deck work, comprising extension of the the stairs. This is a fire safety requirement bers (Gary Oughtred, Barry Black, Warwick roof over the deck and moving the eastern of the Building Code of Australia. Conse- Barnes, Karl Nielsen, Jane Durham and wall of the building to allow for provision quently the top of the new stairs is at the Ian Craig). Others are welcome to join in. of a locker for waste bins, a storeroom, and northern end of the building and they de- Main work days are Tuesdays and Fridays. space for a disabled access toilet. Fitting scend in reverse of the existing stairs This work will be completed in time for the out of the room will be dependent on the to a point near the escape door on the low- stainless steel hand rails to be installed on success of a grant application currently er level. The new stair is wider, with more Friday 11th September. under consideration. generous treads and risers, and with better Dinghy owners would be aware that there Ian Craig headroom than the old. has been some disruption to the avail- Mobile 0419 624 298 The structural alterations and the construc- ability of storage racks. This situation will

8 For the Archives WANTED: Contributions from Recent advert and article in Pittwater Life - Aug 2020 issue budding journos, photographers and gossip columnists After being in hibernation for the past few years, welcome to the first new issue of our Club newsletter the Jibsheet. It is hoped that this will be a great way for different facets of the club to share and communicate what is happening and report on different events held during the season. In order to make it successful we need articles, photographs and reports from Club and Committee members. These can include upcoming events, regatta results and reports, yacht race results, cruising stories both past and present, a swap and sell column and even the odd bit of fun gossip such as was reported by our esteemed member Norm Field in his former Jibsheet column “Guess Who - Don’t Sue”. Send your contributions to Claudie Moffatt, email [email protected] Positions Vacant • Assistant Treasurer - setting up bank payments. No previous experience necessary. Full Training provided (Toni moving to Dungog!) • Canteen Co-ordinator • Clothing Pool Co-Ordinator - (haven’t had one for years!) • Sponsorship Manager Contact [email protected] Welcome new members Welcome to the following families - Bellini Cookson Emond Fisher Gowan Husband Maclennnan Neville Perrett Rubeo Sanford Spencer Verity Way Young

9 Guess Who - Don’t Sue! Which two ASC boats had an unscheduled by the skippers, both of whom are Office We then moved the gun and the sight line “Committee Meeting” while racing on a bearers of our Committee, that they will to the Club verandah. Wednesday afternoon recently??? not be suing and in true Avalon style are Incident two. I remember this one as I helping each other carry out repairs to the Picture the scene…….two Avalon boats of was OOD. I was aligning the sight finish front parts of their respective boats. the same legendary class, having a lovely line and had briefed the firer (how are Wednesday afternoon Winter race working A couple of “incidents” from you, Bob) about moving along the deck a up to the top . There was breeze. bit and pointing gun up so we were away Norm Field’s archives during from the canteen. I called the boat (Young You guessed it! They were on opposite Generation, son David, helming), gun fires tacks. the days of a REAL gun start and Canteen ladies and I are deaf for about “You don’t need to pull away that much!” Incident one. Two Moths approaching the a week. He had been sitting on the seat just cried the crew of the port hand boat to his finish boat close in. Don McLachlan was on behind me in front of the open canteen skipper. the boat and the shot-gun firer. The gun window avoiding the late afternoon glare was fired from the finish boat in those days to help with the finish. Hence, portion of The skipper of the starboard boat was as was the RPAYC. Don calls the first boat, old verandah ceiling in Club house, with a probably grateful that the port boat WAS firer fires gun pointed down in attempt hole in it, winning boat name and date of ducking until…. he copped a knock and to reduce the noise level due to local action inscribed. suddenly……..BANG! The optimistic crew complaints. Result: the first driver as member was mistaken – they hadn’t pulled well as winning, receives a blank cartridge We gratefully accepted John Howard’s away ENOUGH. pellet in his leg. He now runs the canvas gun amnesty and handed the shotgun in - another story. I had the licence, my sons Fortunately, most of the damage was repair place at the entrance to the RPAYC were the gun’s cleaners. limited to crew pride and I am assured and puts on a limp whenever he sees me.

Member and Boat Profile Northshore 31 Legal Eeze low. On board with us was our son James. most comfortable and mastering the The boat proved herself again as a great idiosyncrasies of the metho stove/oven. After selling “TRINA’ our Halvorsen 26’ in sailing boat traveling head to head in 2 James & his wife Luisa plan on using the February which we co-owned with the hours. Mahers and Craigs, we spent the next 5 boat regularly and we intend to partake in months perusing YACHTHUB before finding As her draught is 1.8m, we were unable to some ASC races as well as weekends away our new boat. use our exiting mooring, Roman organized enjoying time on our amazing waterway. an ASC mooring short term while our Look forward to seeing our ASC friends on The Northshore 31 was designed by Hank mooring was repositioned. Kaufman, built in Mona Vale by Northshore the water, name change pending. Since arriving in Pittwater we have enjoyed Yachts and launched in 1990 was located in Cheers! time on board getting acquainted with Middle Harbour. Peter & Elizabeth Kidner the boat especially which bunk is the Legal Eeze was owned by John and Kathryn Smidmore and Andew Cooper and was raced regularly out of Northbridge Sailing Club. John and Kathryn were planning to relocate to Careel Bay following the sale of their home in Middle Harbour, and start a new chapter sailing on Pittwater on a bigger boat. We were fortunate to see the boat shortly after it was listed, John and Kathryn were returning from racing the afternoon we had an inspection and they were more than happy to hoist the sails and demonstrate the boat’s sailing ability. We were very impressed with her performance in the light conditions and her lay out and presentation After a few days deliberation we finalized the purchase and a week later we sailed to Pittwater on the tailend of the Eastcoast 10 My Favourite Knot - The Highwayman’s Hitch Contributed by David Evans Perfect for a temporary knot requiring quick release. Most regular use on my boat is, prior to tying the jib sheets to the headsail, I use the Highwayman’s Hitch to attach each sheet to the lifelines forward of the mast to keep the “working end” of the lines tidy and immediately available (the “standing end” of each sheet is run back to the cockpit winch). With one pull, the knot releases the sheet ready to be tied to the sail. 1. 4.

1. Make a loop behind the lifeline (or 4. The finished knot whatever you are tying it to)

2.

2. Take the standing end (the longer part of the line running back to the cockpit) and make a second loop. Pass the loop in front of the lifeline and into the first loop. To release the knot, simply pull hard on the working end and the line will come free, without any entanglement with the lifelines.

Favourite Knot website Also used in larger boats to heave a “messenger” line ashore while docking. (there’s an app, too) The messenger line (a smaller gauge line) GROG’S ANIMATED KNOTS is perfect is tied with this knot to the heavier dock for step by step learning how to do line. The messenger can be heaved much knots. There are various categories, one further. Once caught by the dock hand, the especially for sailing. messenger line is used to haul the heavier 3. https://www.animatedknots.com/ dock line ashore. Using the Highwayman’s Hitch, the messenger can be quickly 3. Two steps here: discarded to allow docking with the heavier First take the working end (the shorter line to continue. end) and make a third loop and pass this through the second loop - the loop made Turns out this is a great knot for tying a with the standing end. dog’s lead to a café chair, too! Then while still holding this last loop, pull hard on the standing end to jam the knot together.

11 Foiling is the New Normal - On a Waszp

There are so many choices of sport out there for the modern teenager, that our sport was loosing more and more kids every day! Even some of the keen ones. This has been a problem for ASC for many years. From the ages of 14 - 17 kids drop out of our sport for all sorts of reasons. The elite pathway was too far away or just not an option, they out grow the junior boats, school commitments and so on. One of the biggest reasons, is there was nothing cool, fresh and exciting for these kids to sail at there own club on a week to week basis. Then Andrew MacDougall created the Waszp. A boat designed specifically for fun! To be sailed by people of all ages. There have been many boats over the years which As intended, the day really ‘Inspired’ the 16 - 55 yrs are always keen to talk about the are fun for all ages, but none have had the kids to go for their goals in life. WASZP. Happy to show not only the kids but the parents as well, how much fun you can ability to grasp the teenage cool factor and Our small Waszp team of David, Noah, have on the water foiling. speed. Finn, Max & myself ranging in ages from With a top speed of 25 knots the Waszp is This is a destination exciting and challenging to sail, even with class with ages ranging all this, it is safe and great fun to learn to from 12 to mid 60’s, so foil. no excuses people get out there. Most importantly, the Waszp gives kids and adults a new challenge in sailing, foiling, From a personal point being the next step that is well and truly of view, I get to go here to stay in modern sailing. sailing with my son at least once a week, The class is completely inclusive, welcoming it is one of the best sailors of all abilities and ages. experiences you can Even designing the racing, so that the have as a parent, even learners or slower sailors still get to finish if he is lapping you. and get a result. See you on the water. For all these reasons the class has grown Richard Dooley - massively, worldwide launched in 2016 we ASC Waszp Class are now close to 1000 boats, and it is not looking like slowing anytime soon. Link here to Waszp Taking Flight Video https://youtu.be/EgTnceHunns WASZP & SAILGP INSPIRE So exciting are these boats, that SAILGP has created the SAILGP INSPIRE program, using the WASZP as their pathway boat into not only sailing with them, but an ISTEM program as well. In fact, ASC was represented at SAILGP this year by one of our Waszp sailors, David Dooley who made the top 30 of 180 applicants and got to spend a day with the AUS SAILGP team. Learning about the boats, meeting the sailors and popping into to see a few of the other teams as well, it was a fantastic experience.

12 The History of Avalon Sailing Club The following is an excerpt from Norm Field’s excellent book on the beginnings of Avalon Sailing Club. The history is extensive and there are many interesting historical photographs included. It is available from the club at a cost of $20 and all proceeds go to the club. The Formative Years A promotional gazette by Sydney city auctioneers Robjohn and Associates in the 1920’s proposed introducing “the city businessman” to the beauties of Pittwater. Proposed development of the area assured Ferry steamer approaching the old wharf, Clareville, 1920. prospective buyers of regular ferry services between Newport and wharves in Pittwater important aspect of the boat was that apart early years.) and the Hawkesbury as well as a tram from a small canvas well she was completely Les approached his father to help with the service to Taylors Point and Palm Beach, decked in, unsinkable and could be righted purchase of a car and received the profound “in the process of construction”. by the crew without external help. advice that a car was a poor investment, Barrenjoey Road had only just been The Vaughan family built their first boat, son, and he should look to the future and upgraded from a cart track and surfaced Defiance, in the boat shed and bought the buy a house. An adjacent house with views with macadamite at this stage. next one, Flash, second hand, in 1933. north to Lion Island and a reserve to the beach was for sale and Les approached the A 1922 photograph shows the area from The two older boys, Les and Harold, set up owner, a teacher at Chatswood school, and Stokes Point to Taylors Point devoid of their own race course in the area to the offered a deposit of one Pound which was wharves, ramps and swimming pools with north of Taylors Point and to supplement accepted. This house and the next door the exception of the wharf at Clareville, the their pocket money would stage mock boat shed were where the family laid the remains of which are in the cage beside the landings and sword fights at foundations of Avalon Sailing Club. present Avalon Sailing Club. It was from this Clareville on a Sunday, to the delight of the wharf that timber was sent to many ports local residents. The “donations” were then In 1938 J.G. Vaughan officially formed in Australia during the early days of the collected and placed in the treasure chests Avalon Sailing Club and donated a Pittwater colony. which were the canvas wells of the V.J.s. handsome silver cup for the annual V.J. Championship. The first winner in 1939/40 The price of a block of land on the The Vaughans’ nearest neighbours were the was Harold Vaughan sailing Defiant and waterfront averaged out at 150 pounds for O’Connor family, who owned the Sir Walter again in 1940/41. a 50 foot wide block in the area extending Raleigh Hotel at Kings Cross and also owned from the beach at Taylors Point to Hudson a motor cruiser, the M.V. Raleigh. The two The list of boats and owners for that season is Parade. O’Connor daughters joined in the pirate as follows: jousting not only as damsels in distress but Defiant H. Vaughan Mr. J.G. Vaughan, an engineer with the assistant collectors of the booty. Flash L. Vaughan Wakefield Oil Co., had the weekend use Gloria Miss L. O’Connor of a house just to the south west of the The local families combined to share a jig Wings” Miss B. O’Connor Clareville Park and in 1932 introduced his frame for the V.J. construction and by 1935 (Champion 1942/43) family to the unspoilt beauty of the area. there were six boats sailing off Clareville Spray Miss J.P. Hippard His teenage sons, Les, Harold and Ken were Beach all made with cedar planking and Avalon G. Harrington keen sailors with the Middle Harbour Skiff with either home made or professionally Panther H. Webber Le Hero Club and equally keen to sail on Pittwater. cut cotton sails. J. Rodd However he was concerned that the boys By 1937 Mr. Vaughan decided that his boys Water Witch could not be supervised on the waters off were either making too much money as Skippey Clareville Beach especially as the dinghies entrepreneurs or on the road to ruin so he Q.E.D. of those days were non righting and had to made a set of marks and laid out a course, be towed or paddled home. The O’Connors had run into a few problems with starting off Clareville and using the area the licensing police at Kings Cross in 1942 and to His concerns were alleviated with the between Taylors Point, Paradise Beach and help out financially J.G. Vaughan purchased the Vaucluse Junior, or V.J., which had Long Nose Point. A system of coloured flags Raleigh, which became the official start boat, first appeared upon the scene in 1931. was used representing minutes to start in a and the O’Connor house and boat shed. handicap start system so in theory all boats Designed by a young naval draughtsman, The reality of the War came to Pittwater at the should finish together. Entry fee was two Charles Sparrow, with a lot of enthusiasm end of 1942 with the construction of the R.A.N and support from Sil Rohu, a Sydney shillings and the prize money was divided Torpedo Range on the public reserve and baths businessman and keen sailor, the V.J. could proportionally among the first three boats. at Taylors Point. be built at home from the comprehensive (Maybe some of Australia’s best known Continued next page set of plans that cost 10 shillings. The most sailors lost their amateur status in those 13 This consisted of a long access jetty with firing station and three targets at 1000 yard intervals held in position by six large buoys. The aiming point was a large blob of white paint that had been poured over a cliff face on Lion Island. (No consultation with the penguins or the National Parks and Wildlife.) The Range brought another A.S.C. family into the area with the arrival of Frank Lingard as foreman to the project, moving into a commandeered house at 107 Hudson Parade in 1943. The torpedo testing commenced in January 1944 and in addition a boom gate was built between West Head and Barrenjoey. A Defence order requiring all boats to be removed from Pittwater within 24 hours is recorded on the Championship Trophy as “1943/44 Activities suspended due war service”. The V.J.s were stored in various boat sheds and back yards and Les Vaughan, in the Naval Reserve at this stage managed to move the Raleigh to Middle Harbour where she remained until the end of the war. The High Command must have relented towards the end of 1944 as the Club re-opened on the 14th October that year and at the meeting held in the Vaughan’s boat shed the new office bearers unaminously decided the club should be named the Avalon Sailing Club. J.G. Vaughan was elected President (just as well, as it was his original idea, his boat shed and he also provided the car battery for the lighting in the shed) and Les Vaughan was made Club Captain. Annual fees were set at 2/6 for boat owners and 2/- for social members and crews. A handicap start from between the centre of Clareville Beach and a launch to the south was to be used and a roster drawn up for laying of a mark at Long Nose Point by a V.J. and a similar retrieval roster. (Fuel was still rationed.) The first race was held on the 15th October and there were 16 V.J.s competing. Avalon Sailing Club Photo right: 1963 looking north from the balcony with a few extra types in the club including a sailing canoe, a Moth and an MJ.

For more interesting stories and photographs buy the book! $20 - all proceeds to the club

The history of a family sailing club on Pittwater from 1932 to 1963 from 1932 to 1963

“For the fostering, encouragement, promotion, teaching and above all enjoyment of sailing on the waters of Pittwater” Affiliated with the Association of NSW. Patron Iain Murray. PO Box 59 Avalon Beach NSW 2107. Clubhouse Old Wharf Reserve, Hudson Parade. Phone (02) 9918 3637 Email [email protected] Please email all contributions to the Editor - Claudie Moffatt [email protected] 14