Merlin going flat out in the Teralba Sprint Series

Volume 154 - 1 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

President’s Message

The season has got under way with a bit of a rough ride. Stronger than usual winds caused a lot of club racing in NSW to be cancelled and caused a bit of carnage at the NSW coaching day and the Tassie day also had some issues! Though judging by the becalmed launch of Peter Bridley’s boat in Tasmania a bit earlier, not everyone had the same problem! There has been quite a lot of boat trading over the last few months with some boats appearing out of the woodwork which is good to see. Together with three new Tigers built over the winter and a new 11 appearing at Taree, there should be some interesting changes in the fleet positions this season. One of the best ways of improving club fleet positions is to get out and race in other regattas. This is why the Association puts on the various events it does. The important thing is to have events that members want to go to. So any feedback members can give their respective race secretaries on what to run, where and when is always welcome. Included in this is how the class events can best fit in with club activities so that sailors can get the best of both worlds. For this season I encourage everyone to look at the calendar and plan ahead to support the class by going to the various regattas the host clubs put on for us. Healthy numbers at regattas will lead to a healthy class overall. Gather everyone from your club and make a fun time of it. The change to allow carbon in spars has generated a lot interest and some concerns. Emo has brought a carbon mast in from NZ and at least Hugh has a carbon boom. This is the start of the experimentation which is the lifeblood of the class. Will Emo’s mast stay together? Will it give any advantage? Will Hugh’s boom give any advantage? What other things are people experimenting with? All exciting stuff! Some are concerned that this initiative might lead to an escalation of costs and hence to an expensive technology race. The approach to this is to ensure that the cost of the NS14 does not escalate unduly compared to other classes, bearing in mind we are looking at commercial alternatives. My understanding is that Emo’s mast is coming in well under the price of a current commercially available alloy/carbon mast. Hugh’s boom is the same as that used by several other classes from Flying Ants to 14’ skiffs. My reason for pointing this out is to assure members that we are tracking this development to ensure that it takes the class in the right direction – ie a development class that is relatively inexpensive. Remember, anyone playing with new ideas (which I hope you are) should keep an active dialogue going with the Measurer, Russell Moore, to ensure your ideas are going to comply. I hope everyone has some great sailing over the next few months and don’t forget it’s not too late to book in for the Nationals at Lindisfarne which is shaping up to be a great regatta. Michael Tait President

Volume 154 - 2 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin Editor

Edition 154 for long time readers, but number 2 for me. The first one was a fairly major production, especially changing formats and trying for something that suited both web delivery in A4 size and printing in B4 size. That proved to be the easy part, actually getting it printed was much trickier, since the pdf file would not print in reduced size at the printers, even though it did print in A4, due to software incompatibility. All told it took 5 attempts over 3 weeks (it was very busy work all weekend and until midnight audit time at work), including having my office IT experts have a tinker with the file, and then the printer told me that 20 pages was the maximum size for folding and I had 28. So back home once again and deletion of articles, squeezing a few things and jiggling the margins to make it all fit. It’s a wonder it got printed at all. Then to cap it all off, the mailing list turned out to be 15 names more than the agreed print quantity, so a few of you got photocopies and two members at the same address found they had to share a copy. But for everybody it is on the web and we’ll continue to develop this method of delivery / publication to reach as wide an audience as possible. Finally a big thanks to all contributors for making the effort to get their reports in on time. In this issue you’ll discover that I didn’t get a colourful boat, just a white one with potential that I can’t sail properly – yet (1940 Aero 11a). But my greatest protagonist – the president himself – also has acquired Ram Raider (1937 Aero 11a) so we’re on an equal footing in the arms race that is Northbridge fleet growth at the moment. We just have to watch those younger, fitter, lighter, smarter sailors in their 8s, 9s, 10s and Tequilas that keep snapping at our heels, never mind the growing fleet of Tigers that seem to dominate the front of the fleet, also with younger, fitter, lighter, smarter sailors! I don’t know about last year at your clubs, but at Northbridge it was a fairly light season, with all the big winds arriving midweek. This season it seems to be seriously blowing on the weekend, nature’s way of keeping us all fit, and the sail makers and boat builders fully employed. Good sailing and I hope you enjoy this edition, with its special emphasis on training and techniques.

38th NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS The 2006/7 Nationals will be held from 27th December 2006 to 4th January 2007 at the Lindisfarne Sailing Club, Tasmania Details of the regatta including NOR, reduced ferry fares and potential boat charters can be found on the NS14 Tasmania site – http://smwilkie.customer.netspace.net.au/200607_national_championships.htm and in the last Bulletin

Volume 154 - 3 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin Mark Thorpe Boats Mark Thorpe Boats

Remember this old ad for Mark Thorpe? Well, he hasn’t updated it, so it’s in the Bulletin for old times sake, but that’s all. You may know he is now building the TIGER hull, and if you want one for the next Championships, you’d better order one NOW. Prices and pictures are from his website, about 6 months old, so you’d better check that they’re still OK. Of course he still does a wonderful line in boat repairs, foils and rudders, and on the side seems to have some sort of reputation in Moths.

Prices Contact All prices include GST. All prices subject to change without notice. NS14 Tiger Design Email: [email protected] Hull $6600 Phone: Ph: +61 2 9949 3308 Carbon Fibre Centre board $715 Fax: +61 2 9949 3803 Address: Carbon Fibre Rudder blade $495 Factory E1 Manly Grove Industrial Park Carbon/Glass Rudder box $440 1 Campbell Parade Manly Vale, 2093 Trolley $715 New South Wales Web: Complete ready to sail TBA http://www.thorpeboats.com

Volume 154 - 4 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

TRAINING – Part 1

Reprinted from the Northbridge Sailing Club Bulletin September 2005

Northbridge was well represented at the NS14 training night on 1st September, held at the Concord & Ryde Sailing Club. Peter Vaiciurgis, former National Champion and now a 49er skipper, shared his knowledge at a well-attended theory seminar.

This is a summary of the night for those who could not attend.

1. Flat is Fast The NS14 is flat underwater and has its minimum waterline width when perfectly level. Minimum waterline width is also least wetted surface area, and therefore minimum drag. It therefore pushes the least amount of water when sailed in this fashion, and therefore goes faster.

2. Look at your centreboard Faster boats are sailing with shorter centreboards – about 1.39 m. Smaller boards offer less drag. Conventional boards around 1.5 metres long carry more drag, but offer less “true depth” if one’s boat is always heeled. So consider a small board and sail the boat flatter.

3. Keep the mast upright For the same reason, a heeled boat reduces effective mast height. Why does a NS14 have such a large roach? To keep the maximum amount of sail up high, where the wind is. So keep the mast as upright as possible. Flat is fast.

4. Flat feels funny A flat boat feels like it is heeled to windward, because side decks are rounded and point downwards for comfort. Get used to it!

5. Don’t worry about easing the main When it gets windy, easing the main also moves the effective angle of lift forward, increasing the power available. Easing the main keeps the boat flat. Flat is fast.

6. Sail low A NS14 will plane upwind in the right conditions. This is because the hull is flat underwater. Sailing a little low will increase speed quickly and get the boat on the plane. Once going fast the centreboard will operate more efficiently and provide the necessary lift. Don’t pinch to windward, don’t let the telltales stop lifting, keep the boat moving fast.

7. The mast is a tree trunk The elliptical mast at 100 mm thick has similar bending characteristics to a 32 foot yacht. The mast does not bend easily, so don’t try to bend it … at least until you’re always up with the leaders. Diamonds tighter on a soft mast, can be looser on a thick mast, but better to have the diamonds tensioned too tight than too loose.

8. Mast rotation Rotate the mast so it is a flat angle at the second top batten. Don’t over-rotate on reaches and runs, keep the same angle to maximise airflow over the sail. A little less angle when it is windy as this helps flatten the sail.

9. Put marks on the boat Be able to repeat your settings, put marks on ropes, vang etc so you can easily find your “fast” settings again.

10. Keep controls easy to use, and in the right place Use a ring on the outhaul so it is easy to pull, for example. Move the vang and cunningham controls to the crew position, so the skipper is not distracted making adjustments, but can keep the mainsail set all the time.

Volume 154 - 5 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

11. Cunningham Suggested tensions as follows Wind 0-6 knots 12 knots 15 knots 20 knots + Tension None Some No wrinkles Stand on it!

12. Reaching Tweaker on (jib), ease leeward stay until the jib – in the middle of the luff – starts to flick a little, then pull the stay back a little.

13. Running Vang not too tight, stay loose so that boom is ease to the position where the end of the sail is at right angles to the hull. This keeps airflow over the main – watch the tell tails. If too loose the boat is “fast but scary” – so better a little tight than rolling in to windward. In gusts pull vang on a little or pull the main back.

14. Nose diving downwind In windy conditions, of course! Let the job off, steer up, sit on the stern, unless you’re on an Aero 9, which lacks a stern, in which case you hang off your tippy toes.

15. Jib – sheeting angle Sheet angle, when projected, should aim at the middle of the luff. Owners of Brewer jibs should aim 100cm below the middle black stripe.

16. Jib - trimming Get lower tell tails working through jib sheeting. Then work on the top tell tails through the sheeting angle. Sheeting point should not move much (Peter V recommends 354mm from mast pin). Finally, keep power by ensuring that the leech tell tail is always flowing.

17. Main – setting tell tails Should be 3 sets of tell tails. Lower sail, top of sail, and upper leech.

18. Main - trimming 1 / Get lower tell tails flowing through main sheeting angle. 2 / Set twist using tighter mainsheet (light winds) and vang (when crew on windward side) to get upper tell tails flowing. May need to ease main when tightening the vang to keep the lower tell tails flowing; don’t let them stall. 3 / Finally, watch the upper leech tell tail, keep it flowing by adjusting vang tension – pulling vang on too tight to get upper tell tails working may over tighten the leech and “stall” the mainsail; this makes the tell tail ‘fall down’. Finally, tighten the foot for stringer winds. If the boat slows down you may need to repeat the process from the beginning.

Volume 154 - 6 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

Rob Brewer Sails Rob Brewer Sails gives you …

- Quality. Sails that last must be made from only the best sailcloth, carefully assembled by a qualified sailmaker. Personally made for you by Rob.

- Speed. Don’t miss shifts while you pull strings! Racing sails must be user friendly. An on going research and development program ensures you of easy speed in all conditions.

- Service. 15 years experience in the NS14 class is at your disposal. No nonsense advice on tuning your NS to suit your needs.

- Raceaway. All aspects of your NS14 can be dealt with, with a minimum of fuss. Have your boat race tuned by the man that does it for a living.

- Coaching. Available to all. In groups or individually. AYF certified coach.

Call Rob today for friendly service.

Phone / Fax (02) 99 755 955 Mobile 0411 357 470

Volume 154 - 7 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

NEW SOUTH WALES

News from Northbridge, Teralba, Hunters Hill, Chipping Norton and Taree this edition – and the 2006 Training Day ! .

From the YNSW site - a great picture of 1850 in the NSW Youth Champs! – and the roach of 1969? http://www.nsw.yachting.org.au/ Good to see the NS14s stand out in a mixed fleet.

Northbridge Sailing Club

Northbridge continues to grow its fleet, with several boats changing hands over winter. Hugh Tait has a new Tiger (named Tigger!) and passed Ram Raider to Mike Tait, who sold Chomp to the Walkers (new to the class). David Bentley acquired Grace from Teralba and sold Selenium to the Grahams (also new to the class). Henry Kernot now has Captain Planet (ex Twilight Reeling) to join his brother Sam (in Hypo Kid). In particular, newer sailors are teenage crews, many of whom have formed the core of the sailing school trainers over the last few years and have moved out of Flying Ants and Laser Radials, or who would prefer to be steering rather than crewing! All of them are going impressively fast, especially in lighter conditions.

Volume 154 - 8 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

This, of course, is presenting a challenge to the older members, who are used to having the front of the fleet to themselves. But this push from behind, as it were, is lifting fleet standards. Northbridge now has at least 10 boats regularly on the water, and a few more on club championship Sundays. Elsewhere you will read of the training day damage, NSC losing 3 of the 4 masts broken on the day. Because of the inappropriate weather Michael Nash has offered to hold another training day, with Northbridge being the likely host club. Poor weather has limited racing recently, with many races being called off and rescheduled due to too much wind, a contrast to last year when winds were generally too light! As a result it is too early to tell how well anyone is doing and you will have to wait to the Nationals to see who is in form this season. But Hugh Tait in Tigger, Peter Warner in Samba Pa Ti, David Alyward in Beach 25 (all Tigers) are pretty quick, and Mike Tait in Ram Raider and David Bentley in the to-be- renamed Grace (both Aero 11s) are always there to upset the finishing order. Those of you know the Northbridge stairs may not know that NS14s no longer fit in the storage bays; they are too wide! As a result every boat is carried down the stairs each Sunday, the boats seeming much heavier on return journey at the end of the day. A favourable side effect (apart from the muscle building) is that every NS14 sailor has a usable trailer, and as a result more club members are starting to travel (subject to interference from the HSC). We hope this trend continues and that other clubs get more and more NSC visitors at TT and MT racing. The youth members also form the core of the Club’s social scene, and recent club championship dinners have been entertained by musically and dramatically talented NS14 sailors. Tigger’s first sail on Middle Harbour

Volume 154 - 9 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

Chipping Norton Lakes

The sailors at Chippo have started the 2006/2007 season with some serious competition for the clubs NS 14 Championship, with 8 boats competing, a host of stories, developments and lake conditions as varied as the weather itself, from searing life threatening heat one week to freezing cold the next. Chris Denman is squeezing in sailing time around his work responsibilities to at last get some deck time on his new Tiger design Finger Licking Good. David Cox is the proud new owner of Aero 6b design Rhapsody, recently repainted and back on the water last Saturday the 21 st Oct. The crew of Bondi tram, Clance Denman and skipper Paula Williams, had an extensive lay off last season due to niggling injuries and are now back on board and keen to go sailing again. Their situation handing an opportunity to Radio Control yachting member, Stan Allen, to have a go at skippering an NS14 for his first experience of full size sailing in his 56 yrs, teamed up with Phillip Williams, father of Paula. Phil has brought Nan's Girl out of mothballs to contest the championship and have some fun. Stan reckons that the older design Nan's girl (Flight 18) is more predictable and a lot easier to sail than the Aero 9 Bondi Tram and is enjoying the challenge of learning the art of sailing these yachts. His greatest challenge is actually being on board and sailing rather than standing onshore as with his RC models, and so far he's managed to keep both NS14's upright, but there's been a few close ones. Russell Moore and Mathew Cox on Rainbow Spirit are still the team to beat on the lake with 2 wins so far, having a lot of accumulated experience with the lakes varied conditions, but not without some serious contenders chewing at her transom. Hypernuts with skipper Ian Robbins and crew Annette Wright have also taken 2 wins so far. Equal footing for outright wins in the 3 races each has contested of the 4 races to date, 1 race duties each. Peter Spicer and Cathy Cox on Nomad are in their 2 nd season as a crew are starting to apply the pressure with some good performances and finishes, sharing the lead during races. Rhapsody will be a boat to watch; skipper David Cox and daughter Pip have stepped up from sailing Pacers last season, in which they were dynamite. Justin Wright on Casper is sailing mostly SH lately and finding it tough to seriously challenge the front-runners. He's looking for a crew if there's somebody interested. Don't let the travel distance bother you, Stan travels from Mt Kuring gai to Chippo to sail both his RC models and now the NS14. Keen, stupid, perhaps a little of both, but sailing sort of grabs you like that. Contact Russell Moore-Commodore - 02 9608 1125. (showing his style in this picture!) website-www.cnlsc.org.au

Volume 154 - 10 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin Teralba

A bit of change to the Teralba Northie fleet this season. We have waved goodbye to Pete Watson, the Vandervoorts, Turtons and Dennis and Ian O’Sullivan, but hopefully they will all be back again one day. We have a couple of new faces in Andrew Walker and his daughter Sam who have bought Sticky Moments. They have started off very well. Scott Ellis from 16ft skiff and Laser fame is hoping to find a boat shortly and join our ranks. We also had a guest appearance from Gary Boyd the Olympic representative in 49er’s who filled in for Andrew. As for the regulars, Pete and Matty Williams, Mal Redmond, Guy and Lisa, Chris and Daniela and me and Maso have been getting back into it again. Class stalwart and average white guy Gary Bellamy has a crook knee but should be back for the first clubbie. Gary had a skiing collision with a Swedish backpacker on a black run in a blizzard down the snow. Onya Gary. The 2 Darryl’s have not started together yet in Emu. Conditions have been really light, only blowing when sailing isn’t on but surely we are due for a good breeze soon. The Sprint Series is coming up on October 15. We are going to rig at Marmong which is nice and close to the sprint course and good for spectators. Everyone is welcome to compete in our club race on the Saturday to test the waters, make a weekend of it. Perhaps we be bowled a good breeze for that weekend.

Scott Day Salty Lips

RESULTS FROM THE SPRINT SERIES Sunday 15th October at Teralba. Overcast and coolish day, light to medium patchy winds and the very odd light sprinkle of moisture from the sky. A good turn out with 10 competitive boats, 3 short races, lunch then another 3 short races.

> 1st Tigger Hugh Tait + Alana O'Connor (Tied on 11 pts with Merlin - but won on countback) > 2nd Merlin Sean Edmiston + M el Walker > 3rd Wildfire Chris Gardiner + Daniella McGuee > 4th Spy vs Spy David Page + Olivia Page (New sailors in the NS14 fleet from HHSC) > 5th Salty Lips Scott Day + Karen Mason > 6th Bohica Peter + M atthew Williams > 7th Ram Raider Mike Tait + Rosa O'Connor > 8th Nexus Bruce Gunn + Bridget Gunn > 9th Evolution Guy Bellamy + Sharon Calwell > 10th Captain Planet Henry Kernot + Jack Greislin

Volume 154 - 11 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

Moody weather at the sprint series Hunters Hill

At the moment we have a health fleet of 13 boats and have gained three new boats with David and Olivia Page in Spy v's Spy, John and Hugh Mackay in Liquidator and Paul and Jessica Miller in No thru Road. David and Paul have both converted from the Laser fleet. However we have lost two boats, John Cronan and Kate Azzopardi in P.E. and Ross and Ben Mackay in The Hedgehog. As far as the sailing goes we have had a couple of races cancelled due to strong winds. Had a few of races where you would have to flip a coin to guess what was going to happen next. However we are looking forward to some good close racing.

Volume 154 - 12 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

Taree Aquatic Club

Our once a month winter series did not really get off the ground as wind was a telling factor, which we did not have. A few sailors attended hoping for a bit of practice, managing to get a sail on a couple of occasions. During September our pre season sailing got under way with several crews getting some good practice for the coming season. These days were used as training for newer crews and to brush off the dust for the older crews. Working bees etc. to clean out the club were programmed to coincide with pre season sailing. Our latest new Aero 11 built in Taree was christened on Saturday and performed well with Adam & Cassie Cause as owners and crew for this maiden voyage. The yet unnamed vessel gained fastest time for the NS 14 fleet on its first outing. I am sure Adam will again be a top contender in this boat as he has been in “The Bear” winning the last 8 NS14 Club Championships. Taree Aquatic Club will once again host a Travellers Trophy event on November 4th & 5th. The Saturday heat will once again be held at our club and then on the Sunday travel to Manning Point for two more heats. Taree Aquatic Club is proud to be asked once again to hosts these heats, wear we can utilise the Manning River at Taree and then travel a shot distance to the mouth of the Manning for more open water sailing. Our fleet this year appears to about 12 regular boats on the water, with a couple of not so regular sailors also in attendance occasionally. We have a good mix of older experienced sailors as well as a few younger skippers who should improve with our regular training courses our Commodore Adam has implemented this season. So far this season in our three heats sailed so far, once again Adam and Jeremy Dodds sailing the new Aero 11 will be hard to beat, with Richard Dodds “That’s Gold” and Robert Fish “Shark Bait” keeping him honest. Andrew and Sue Cini sailing “Redeye Special” have also had good speed, and will only improve as the season continues. Other sailors in our fleet who seem to be improving are Ben & Nick Wright in their two boats “Naturalistic desire” and “Rampant”. The old salts Jon Cause, Ross Green and Steven Bradford along with Tony Smith will all be doing their best to keep the younger skippers behind them. We at Taree Aquatic Club look forward to the Travellers Trophy weekend where we will once again renew acquaintances and make new friends with fellow NS 14 sailors.

Ross Green

Volume 154 - 13 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

NSW Training Day

The deal Sunday 24 September: A warm day, the facilities of Concord Ryde, a skilled Michael Nash to teach us, 15 or so enthusiasts to practice against. A briefing, a sail, and another briefing, at least that was the plan.

What we learned. CRSC is shallow, carbon fibre mast tips are expensive and break easily when stuck in the mud, aluminium masts are better but not when you have 10kg of mud rammed in the top (makes for unstable sailing and a tow home), don’t sail in strong westerlies, and remember to tie your boat to the trailer (otherwise they fall over and – you guessed it - break masts).

How the day went The timeline for the training day was: What the wind did: 9am Arrival and rigging 5-10 knots - great 10am Briefing 10 knots, gusty NW, perfect 10.30 Launch 15 knots, gusty, should be fun 11.00 Trash the mast 23knots gusting 35, no longer fun

And looking at North Head, around 11.15am, it was 15 knots gusting 35:

(Wind traces courtesy of www.seabreeze.com.au)

Volume 154 - 14 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

Those of you sailing at other clubs had the benefit of seeing the wind settle in before going down to the club, which various starters assured me was a total of zero boats. The decision to call the race off was thus very easy! But at Concord most of us were already on the water.

What those who stayed on shore learned: 1. Pay your insurance 2. Don’t be afraid to sail in wind (90% of sailors don’t practice enough) 3. But choose your conditions carefully

The rigging area is deceptively sheltered from the wind

Dragonfly loses its mast tip to the shallows as does Captain Planet

While muddy cockpit on Beach 25 suggests a mast full of …mud!

Volume 154 - 15 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

Proof: gusting 42 knots, Force 8!

And 1902 effectively loses all it’s standing rigging!

But seriously, Mike Nash had a lot of good advice, and spent time making the younger sailors think about their sailing rather than spoon-feeding them.

The key lessons learned:

1. NS14s are very sensitive boats, not easy to sail well, narrow on the waterline. They don’t have a spinnaker to balance the mainsail downwind, which also makes them ‘tippy’. Balance is therefore very important, for which the crew, more than many other 2-handers, need to be FIT. The crew is very important! Mike Tait introduced Michael Nash

2. The mainsail has a very large roach on the leech. This puts a lot of sail area high up, where the wind exerts more leverage. The angle of the sail to the wind is therefore very important, which is why sails have telltales up the luff and on the leech. Maintaining LEECH CONTROL is very important, too tight and the sail stalls, too loose and not enough power is developed. Rosa helps out!

3. Modern hulls are narrow at the waterline, and flat along the bottom of the hull (U shaped). They are designed to be sailed FLAT, not heeled. Flat is faster, as it minimises wetted area (drag) and brings the hull quicker onto the plane.

4. To benefit from all this, you need to be SMOOTH. Keeping the hull at the right angle, Henry helps out! and stopping the mast from waving around – which breaks laminar flow – requires the crew to move smoothly around the boat.

Volume 154 - 16 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

Michael said that boats that fail to do this will be beaten every time by a boat that observes these basic rules. Flow over the sails was very important, because the high aspect ratio is efficient but easily loses power if flow is broken.

5. Finally, look for the wind – where is it coming from, especially running (no spinnaker). You must be fast when gybing, this keeps the boat The crowd pays attention more manageable. Practice in stronger winds (most don’t). Ease the jib in gusts, don’t backwind the main. De-power the rig to reduce drag (vang, Cunningham, sheet jib outboard, centreboard up).

Be fearless!

Whiteboard Summary

“Sailing in the USA!” (see page 31)

Volume 154 - 17 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin ACT

The ACT NS14 Association has taken the National President's message to heart that we should all get out and travel to showcase the terrific boat we all sail. Four ACT boats joined with our friends from Connells Point to welcome in the new season at the Callala Bay October long-weekend regatta. For most of us, very good breezes were combined with early season fitness failure, and some poor winter maintenance on the boats, to ensure that completing 3 races let alone 5 was a challenge that could not be met. Our thanks to Ian Ritchie for organising the digs and to the Callala Bay RSL for introducing us to 'Piston Broke' - nothing like a bit of head-banging on a Saturday night! This year the ACT Titles will be hosted by the Canberra Yacht Club on 25-26 November - see the invitation and links on the NS14 website. The race program begins Saturday afternoon with 2 races back-to-back, followed by 3 races Sunday. The late start means NSW boats should only need to organise 1 night's accommodation - get on touch if you are having problems. The CYC has excellent facilities and there will be a good dinner on the Saturday night. We look forward to see you there."

Michael Hitchens President ACT NS14 Association

This is what happens when you retire (Peter Smith and Trevor Imhoff) – you down-shift from an NS14 to a Hartley!

Volume 154 - 18 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

Results from October Regatta at Jervis Bay (Callala Bay) (NS14s only) TOTAL OVERALL CREW NAME BOAT NAME SAIL No. CLUB DIV. POINTS PLACE KAREN WISEMAN BLUE MOON 1900 WHITSTABLE YC 2 7 1 JACQU MARTIN WITHOUT A TRACE 1982 CONNELLS POINT SC 2 10 2 JESSICA WYERS BAD OF GYPSYS 1893 YMCA CANBERRA 2 13 3 BRUCE EDDES SHIRAZ 1907 YMCSC CANBERRA 2 16 4 JENNY DUNSTAN ALL THAT JAZZ 1961 CONNELLS POINT SC 2 18 5 TRACY WATSWORTH CROSSTOWN TRAFFIC 1763 YMCA CANBERRA 2 23 6 GEORGIA COPLEY MAINLY GUESSWORK 1791 JBSC 2 24 7 SUSAN RITCHIE MUST BE NUTS 1992 CONNELLS POINT SC 2 26 8 ANDREW KERRIGAN CAT N MOUSE 1691 YMCA CANBERRA 2 27 9 GABE TOOKER CASUALTY 1204 JBSC 2 29 10

Steven Lymbery (Team Leader EFM Nowra) notes that, as a former NS14 sailor, he has a soft spot for them and would be interested in running a TT next year. As one sails in a marine park, bookings need to be in by July as permits must be obtained.

Given how beautiful it looks, maybe that’s not such a bad idea!

Volume 154 - 19 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

ACT Dinghy Championships 2006

All dinghy classes are invited to participate in the ACT Dinghy Championships 2006. Presented by the Canberra Yacht Club, Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, ACT on 25-26th November 2006

Programme: Saturday 25th 1300 Race 1 back to back Race 2 Evening Dinner function

Sunday 26th 1025 Race 3 1300 Race 4 back to back Race 5 Presentation

Details including Notice of Race, Entry Forms, Accommodation, home billeting options and local facilities guide will be available online at the Canberra Yacht Club web site: www.canberrayachtclub.com.au

Or, for further information contact: Canberra Yacht Club office Phone. 02 6273 4777 Fax. 02 6273 7177 Email. [email protected]

If you’re having trouble opening the CYC website, try

http://www.canberrayachtclub.com.au/specevents.htm

The Notice of Race was not available at time of going to print.

Volume 154 - 20 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

MEB Marine

Volume 154 - 21 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

In South Australia our season has just started. We had 2 tune up races at the end of September then a break for the long weekend. There was no racing during the winter at our club and one of the tune-ups was a blow-out. For most of us our first practice will be opening day. At Brighton & Seacliff our opening day was the 7th October. A strong Northerly blowing, unfortunately by the time the official duties had been completed, the wind had dropped down, but at least was still there.I spent the day in the windward corner – which I like much more than the leeward corner, or that uncomfortable place crews find themselves on light days (on top of the centreboard). We are fortunate to have a new boat at our club – one from Sydney and being sailed as an MG – perhaps this will inspire the rest of the fleet. Jonno is the skipper, Greg the crew. There were 7 NS’s for the opening day race, and by the end of the day we were spread out across the course. Dave and I in Alternative Pathway slipped into a familiar groove and won by 3minutes with Tom and Chris in Liquid Insanity second – their new sails a shimmering golden success. Deb and Ashley (Powderburn) were third with John & Carly (Smoke & Mirrors) fourth. Despite our great effort, the handicap prize went to Tom and Chris, which I am sure will give them an early boost for the season. There have been no changes to any of the crew/skipper combinations this year, I think we have all decided it is better to sail with the devil you know and build on an already established partnership. We have 2 boats planning the trip to Tazzie – Bob & Chris in Sweet Little Rock N Roller, and Chris & Tom in Liquid Insanity. Bob has built a frame for the top of his trailer so the boats can travel together. I sailed with Bob at Sandy Bay for the Nationals in 1995, we had a great time, and some great sailing, unfortunately due to work commitments and family commitments the rest of us, though keen are unable to sail.

Stay tuned for the next article when our racing will have started in earnest and we will have some result and gossip to share with you.

Lisa Brock Crew on Alternative Pathway

Volume 154 - 22 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

Dixon Boats

Volume 154 - 23 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin TASMANIA

Opening Day at Lindisfarne Sailing Club saw the largest NS14 fleet on an opening day ever. 18 Ns14's hit the water for the opening day festivities and fun race. The fleet looked good and with numerous members updating boats the season ahead looks to be an exciting and challenging one. If you are one of our NS14 owners who hasn't raced for a while get the boat out of the shed and back on the water. There is close racing right through the fleet and the Nationals coming to Tassie this year it could be a good time to get back into the regular sailing routine.

The launch of the newest NS14 in Tassie and the first new boat launched in Tasmania for a very long time is the latest boat in Peter Bridley's family tree - a Tiger design in the now famous Peter blue. Most of Pete's boats have been the same blue. Upgrading from his Aero 9 -Yes Yes Yes, Peter is looking forward to an exciting new season. It was supposed to be the launch of the new boat and the pre-season warm up race. The launch went well with Pete rigging up as the rain set in. Annie (Pete’s wife) and family turned out to christen the boat and see the maiden voyage. Annie poured the Champagne and Peter posed for photos before the boat was lowered into the water. Peter and his crew braved the wet weather with several passes by the club lasting about 20 minutes before he returned to unrig and a well-deserved shower to warm up. The rest of us stood around until we decided to go home disappointed that the race was called off due to no wind, lots of rain and no enthusiasm.

Volume 154 - 24 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

TRAINING WEEKEND

Friday night and the small but enthusiastic group of members gathered at the Lindisfarne Sailing Club for the start of the training weekend. The association had paid to fly Peter V down from Sydney to run the training. Most of us had never taken part in any type of training and we had no idea what to expect. Peter V turned out to be a very effective and knowledgeable instructor and most of us learnt heaps of rules and tips to make our boats go faster. The evening session took quite a few hours, which went fast. We wrapped up at about 10.30pm with supper afterwards. Saturday morning came round with a few members reporting little sleep as the information from the previous night ran through their heads. Peter V started the day by going over every boat and setting them up properly. This was greeted by some with enthusiasm and some were dubious and not sure of the changes. This was followed by the crews and skippers practicing their foot work and tacking technique on shore. Saturday afternoon was on the water in very trying conditions. Several exercises were set up and the session didn’t last long as a strong North Westerly hit sending us back to the club. An afternoon session in the club house with more information saw the marking of everyone’s centre boards. That night we had a BBQ at Darren’s with the wind sending the BBQ into the kitchen and smoking the house and everyone out. A good meal and a chat ended the day. Sunday morning and the forecast was grim with snow on the mountain. Everyone was rigged and we hit the water again for a longer session. Peter V was able to look at each boat and set them up on the water and give his valuable advice. The day was a lot cooler and the breeze was coming out of the West, North West and was nothing to about 10 knots. After lunch the fun started with a short course mini series scheduled for the club event. Peter V had been given permission to coach at the start and during the race with the same rule, to stay out of his way. He gave us a session on starting and told us that he was going to be on the start to make sure everyone started properly. At the start the wind died to nothing some of us tried to sit on or below the line to start. As promised Peter V sat at the back of the start boat and stopped someone from barging at the start. With about a minute to go the races were abandoned as the wind swung from the north and went to the west and dropped down from the mountain. It was bitterly cold as it was snowing on the mountain. Most of us practiced as the breeze hit 30 knots and it started raining. Freezing and cold most returned to the club and about 40 minutes later the course had been reset and a race started with only three NS’s left.

Volume 154 - 25 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

The breeze had dropped to about 15 to 18 knots and a broken mast later I returned to the club. Peter V gave a de-brief in the club and the weekend concluded. I believe everyone got something out of the weekend. Personally I now have plenty to practice and if you still need help see Darren or my self and we will try to help or find the answers. The main things to come out of the weekend were two words. FLAT and CORNERS.

Scott Wilkie Norwegian Blue NS1934

Lindisfarne Bay from the air. Lindisfarne Sailing Club is in the centre at the bottom. Launching the boats from the pontoons you sail out past the Marina into the Derwent. The sailing area is north of the Tasman Bridge ( right of screen), up stream to the Zinc Works. The Picture only shows less than half of the sailing area.

Long Distance Race – more photos at

http://smwilkie.gallery.netspace.net.au

Volume 154 - 26 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

Hood Sails

Volume 154 - 27 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

New and Old!

The new NS14 Logo …

… and David Gale’s beautifully restored NS14 Number 53 (circa 1964)

Volume 154 - 28 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

DO IT YOURSELF

If you regularly browse the NS14 websites, you may have seen the “Moondance” project on the SA website. If you don’t, here is the current state of play: well here we are at the start of a project I hope will bring new life back into the NS14 fleet in South Australia. If that does not happen I'll have fun building it anyway.

The Plan (so far) version 3.0

To build a new design of NS14 from scratch for as little money as possible.

Where I am at as of 08-06-2006

Change of plans. i have canged my mind on what hull shape i'm going to build.

I am now going to build a new Stuart Friezer design "MoonDance"

Whats in a Name 10-06-2006 currently I’m thinking i should call my new boat "NARF" if your wondering why. watch the cartoon "Pinky and the Brain"

11-07-2006

IT STARTS...HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH.

25-09-2006

I have got the frames for the mould cut. next thing is to build a jig to mount the frames on.

Volume 154 - 29 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

Flightspar

FLIGHTSPAR – The mast with reliable strength

Mark 3 A. – O.D. 44mm B. – I.D. 41 mm C. – F. 99.8 mm Weight 5.04 Kg

Why pay $715 extra for carbon tips when you can use our Mast Mk 3

WEIGHT 5.04 kg You have tried the rest Now try the best

THE RELIABLE MAST THAT OUTLASTS ALL OTHERS * Why buy other masts that only bend at the tips? * No corrosion from electrolysis? * The complete mast under pressure bends to flatten your main sail which reduces unnecessary heeling * Top sailors and sailmakers choose to use Flightspar masts * Don’t let your mast let you down

Blank $449 Boom $98 Powdercoated rudder boxes $65 Whiskerpole (anodised) $25 Some fittings available Bases, Rotators, Goose Necks $POA

CONTACT VIC OR JOAN HAMMOND (02) 9997 7310

Volume 154 - 30 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

USA

Tony Arends ([email protected]) writes from the USA, where he now has his boat on the water (Aero 8, "Gorilla Biscuits" 1744):

I took the NS14 out for the first time on Friday at West river sailing club Galesville Maryland. Galesville is located on the Chesapeake bay about 30 minutes from Annapolis.

Andrea my 8 year old daughter was my crew and she did really good for her first time in a performance dinghy.

I had a number of people come and look at the boat, they where very curious to know what it was. There first thoughts where is it a Moth, Is it a 505?

A thunderstorm came through which cut our sailing day short. But at least I know everything works and my daughter had fun so we can continue to enjoy the boat.

Talk to you soon.

Regards Tony Arends

Volume 154 - 31 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

EZ Tel

Volume 154 - 32 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

TRAINING – Part 2

The second half of the extract from the Northbridge Sailing Club Bulletin about the 2005 training day:

To start the day we all rigged up ‘as usual’. Then Peter V checked us all out, to general embarrassment.

Rig Tension Obvious stuff perhaps, but most of us had rigs that were far too loose. Using a Loos Gauge Peter checked luff tensions – a reading of between 150-180 was acceptable. Some of us (myself included) were around the 100 mark, which meant taking the side stays down a hole or two. Too loose a forestay meant that the jib sags in any real wind, and you can’t point.

Mast rake Forestay sets the rake, side stays set the tension. Get it right for light winds, when it gets stronger add a shackle to the forestay and tighten the side stays to keep tension.

Jib sheet angle Most of us were set too low. Remember the last issue, the angle of the jib sheet should be half way up the forestay or a little higher. Use the job pole to extend the line of the jib sheet.

Mast Rotation Should be in line with the 2nd from top batten. Easy to see on the water, harder on the shore. Get your mates to tell whether it looks right next time you are out sailing.

On the water Peter sent us out to do some exercises. He reminder us that champion sailors spend HOURS practicing tacks and gybes because this is a critical manoeuvre. Most good sailors can keep reasonable boat speed and therefore keep up with the faster sailors in a straight line. It’s turning the corners that makes a big difference, especially tacking at marks or in close tactical situations, where familiarity with the boat and confidence in manoeuvring are very important.

A short course was set – about 50 metres to windward – where we had to do 3 tacks and 3 gybes between windward and leeward marks. Interesting stuff; although a wind change made it a bit tricky, it was clear that we were not up to speed and most of us were pretty slow coming out of tacks.

Later in the day he made the skippers stand in the centre and the crews do all the balancing. A very popular exercise that made every crew aware of how important they were … or were not when they messed up!

Peter jumped on a few boats and made suggestions, such as getting crews to stand up during gybes, and lean against the mast for balance rather than kneel in the bottom of the boat. Leaning against the mast they became very secure and could easily get the jib pole out, with the skipper keeping balance. Kneeling they wobbled, did not help balancing by moving around, and were slower to get the pole out. In my boat he demonstrated how the vang was not nearly tight enough, so we pulled in very hard until the sail looked right … but my old mast was not up to it and broke at the gooseneck, so a tow home was the end of sailing time.

Balancing After lunch we all practiced balancing – or rather moving around the boat. First we sat on the floor, and moved our bodies to the left and right. Then we squatted and practiced again. Clearly it was easier to move and quicker to move while crouched… but some of us oldies can’t maintain the position for very long. No wonder the young are faster!

Similarly we practiced balancing on one foot … with our eyes shut! This exercise was intended to give us a feel for balancing the boat, with our partners ready to catch us should we lose balance. Some of us were fairly steady, indicating good balance and strong ankle muscles. Others were less steady. Peter suggested this was a good exercise to practice, since sailing is largely about balance.

Volume 154 - 33 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

After lunch the wind was very gusty from the west so we stayed ashore and did tacking drill in the boat park.

Tacking - Crew The basic manoeuvre is the ‘two step’

1 – Bend forward and move after leg (ie the one nearer the stern) across to the other side of the centreboard case. Do not twist your body.

2 – Bend forward and move under the boom, then stand up.

3 – Twist around, using the after leg – which now becomes the forward leg, and is placed against the centreboard case - to push your body out to the gunwhale. The forward leg then becomes the after leg and hooks under the toe straps so you don’t slip over the side.

Well, once you have mastered the moving, we all got to tack with sheets. Thus the steps again with hand movements:

1 – Forward hand, hook thumb under jib sheet, reach in the grab rotator. Pull it to windward and let go. Keep windward jib sheet over thumb.

2 – Forward hand grabs windward jib sheet and gets ready to pull it in as you move across the boat. Leeward hand uncleats job sheet and lets go.

3 – As you reach (new) windward side, pull jib sheet in tight and trim to desired setting.

In light winds the crew may need to pause in the middle and remain balanced while crouched (not sitting, remember the exercises!), to keep the boat balanced. Peter allowed the over 50’s to occasionally touch the deck while tacking, but your scribe can assure you that the crouch and balance technique only works for the smaller framed person – Having crewed recently my non-yoga relaxed 180cm, 80kg, over 50 year-old frame doesn’t fit too well and I write this with some very sore muscles!

Tacking – skippers Nearly the same as crews. Tiller down (but not so far as to stop the boat), forward leg back against the side tank to push, leeward leg across the boat to the far side of the straps, forward and under the boom, then twist and sit, bring your other leg across and under the straps. You should still have the main and tiller in the same hands, so your forward had will be holding the tiller behind your back – this way you can still steer around obstacles if needed. Once settled down and all clear, swap hands. Remember to ‘speak’ to the tiller extension, hold it on the end, keep it high and in front of you so you can use both hands for pulling in the main sheet (no teeth allowed!). Learn to steer straight while moving your body around or pulling in the sheets. An angled rudder just slows you down, remember.

Gybing You should not need to steer much to make it happen (Northies can sail very close to dead downwind in any case). Peter’s technique was to gybe the jib first, so that it is set ready. Then as skipper turns to new course, crew pulls the boom across, while remaining in the centre of the boat in the now famous crouched position. Skipper move to new windward side and swaps hands on tiller only when all is in control.

Downwind in a blow NS14’s like to nosedive (it’s those narrow bows). So sit on the transom. Move your tiller hand across your chest so that the tiller extension makes a wider angle with the tiller – this way you have better control and you can use both hands to pull in the mainsheet.

Volume 154 - 34 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

WEBSITE FORUM

Almost everything you want to know – and quite a lot you don’t – can be found on the FORUM on the NS14 Website.

Go to www.ns14.org and Click on Forums

Recent postings include the following (about 1/3 of the available discussion topics!)

Announcement: Sun May 01, 2005 8:53 pm 0 Hugh 273 Forum Use Hugh

Tue Oct 31, 2006 9:40 pm Recent designs 3 kris 99 Emo

Wed Oct 25, 2006 1:44 pm YA Wind LImit 0 Peter H 55 Peter H

Sun Oct 22, 2006 8:58 pm national 12 1 steve jones 165 icecreamman

Sun Oct 22, 2006 8:51 pm Weighing hull? 6 1819 Max 5 212 icecreamman Daniela representative Sun Oct 15, 2006 10:56 pm 4 steve jones 293 of the CREWS karen UNION

[ Poll ] Age Sat Sep 30, 2006 11:41 pm 5 Chris G 385 Limit Poll Hugh Age Limits Thu Sep 28, 2006 9:12 pm [ Goto page: 1, 2, 36 Peter H 2518 Chris G 3 ]

TERALBA Sun Sep 17, 2006 9:13 pm 0 Hooters 91 RESULTS Hooters

Sun Sep 17, 2006 8:13 am Spars 1 stu 148 Emo Sat Sep 16, 2006 11:33 pm right of reply 0 sjones 88 sjones

Sat Sep 16, 2006 6:31 pm up to date 13 steve jones 339 Emo

Boom Thu Sep 07, 2006 8:30 pm 4 max 5 1819 249 Goosenecks? 1819 Max 5

Be a modern NS14 sailor – Go Online!

Volume 154 - 35 - October 2006 NS14 Bulletin

CONTENTS

President’s Message...... 2 Editor...... 3 TRAINING – Part 1...... 5 Rob Brewer Sails...... 7 NEW SOUTH WALES...... 8 Northbridge Sailing Club...... 8 Chipping Norton Lakes ...... 10 Teralba...... 11 Hunters Hill...... 12 Taree Aquatic Club...... 13 NSW Training Day...... 14 MEB Marine...... 21 SOUTH AUSTRALIA...... 22 Dixon Boats...... 23 TASMANIA...... 23 TASMANIA...... 24 Hood Sails...... 27 NEW LOGO...... 28 DO IT YOURSELF ...... 29 Flightspar...... 30 USA ...... 31 EZ Tel ...... 32 TRAINING – Part 2...... 33 WEBSITE FORUM...... 35

New Tigers everywhere!

Volume 154 - 36 - October 2006