Radio Waves

INSIDE Club Profile— Mawson Lakes MYC Sail Trim for Radio Control Yachts Alternative Penalties Onboard Camera Pictures

Official newsletter of the AUSTRALIAN RADIO YACHTING ASSOCIATION (Inc) www.radiosailing.org.au

Volume 17 Issue 3 Nov—Feb 2012

Radio Waves Official Newsletter of the Australian Radio Yachting Association (Inc)

PRESIDENT CLASS COORDINATORS Hub Bell Unit 47, 6 Tighe Street, Jolimont, WA, 6014 International email: [email protected] Lindsay Walker Tel: (08) 9387 3726 Mob: 0407 301 037 Richmond Hill Rd, Lismore, NSW, 2480 email: [email protected] VICE-PRESIDENT Tel: (02) 6624 1154 Denis McLoughlin 206 Harrington Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000 email: [email protected] Garry Bromley Mob: 0418 348 927 10 Field Street, Kanahooka, NSW, 2530 email: [email protected] SECRETARY Mob: 0424 828 574 Ken Dobbie 26 Winbourne Road, West Moonah, TAS, 7009 email: [email protected] Cassie Midgley Tel: (03) 6272 6916 Fax: (03) 6272 6963 206 Harrington Street, Hobart, TAS, 7000 email: [email protected] TREASURER Tel: (03) 6234 2486 Michael Bell 23 Messina Ave, Stirling, WA, 6021 International email: [email protected] Frank Russell Tel: (08) 9440 1996 Mob: 0417 054 611 PO Box 25, Woy Woy, NSW, 2256 email: [email protected] TECHNICAL OFFICER Tel: (02) 4341 4060 Mob: 0417 456 929 Robert Hales 25 Fiona Road, Beecroft, NSW, 2119 National EC12 email: [email protected] Tel: (02) 9875 4615 Vacant

REGISTRAR Daniel Weizman 14 Paine Street, Maroubra, NSW, 2035 RC email: [email protected] Paul Martin Tel: (02) 9314 0296 Mob: 0414 654 677 2/2 Pellion Street, Blaxland, NSW, 2774 PUBLICITY OFFICER/EDITOR email: [email protected] Alan Stuart Tel: (02) 4739 0494 15 Rushbrook Way, Thornlie, WA, 6108 LIFE MEMBERS email: [email protected] Tel: (08) 9493 3854 Mob: 0400 816 834 Ron Dunster, ACT (dec) Max Griggs, TAS (dec) PUBLIC OFFICER George Manders, QLD (dec) Trevor Jeffree (SA) Bob Shedden, NSW (dec) 22 Eaton Common, Ingle Farm, SA, 5098 Hub Bell, WA email: [email protected] Ken Dobbie, TAS Tel: (08) 7070 4159 David Black, QLD WEBMASTER If calling, be mindful of the time at location calling. Eduard Cowell Allow for time zone differences and Daylight email: [email protected] Saving, and call at a reasonable hour.

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hank you aged to write similar article and submit to all the them for publication. contribu- tors for This will be the final edition of the maga- Tthis months maga- zine prior to the 2012 Nationals & Annu- zine. Especially al General Meeting. thankful for all the photos sent in. Several of the Executive members are Unfortunately, not standing for re-election. Nomina- only one picture tions have been called for all positions of can make it to the the ARYA Committee. cover. However, I As per the ARYA constitution: have included some of the other pictures throughout the magazine. 8 (e) A candidate for election as an Officer of the Association must be Once again, I have tried to keep the nominated by a State Council. magazine varied in its content, with in- formative, instructional and entertaining Nominations to be with ARYA Secretary content. It is good to see that various by 4th November, 2011 clubs are sending in details about their history & activities. All clubs are encour- Alan Stuart DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE IS FEBRUARY 12, 2012

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AFFILIATES

Australian Capital Territory Dr Graham Brown Radio Yachting Association Secretary PO Box 5171, Kingston, ACT, 2604 email: [email protected] Tel: (02) 6241 3070

New South Wales Radio Owen Jarvis Yachting Association Secretary 11/122-130 Clareville Ave, Sandringham, NSW, 2219 http://www.rcyachts.net/nsw/ email: [email protected] Tel: (02) 9583 1097 Mob: 0418 650 755

Queensland Radio Yachting David Black Association Secretary 28 Huon Pl, Forest Lake, QLD, 4078 http://www.radiosailing.org.au/ email: [email protected] state/qld.htm Tel: (07) 3879 6220

South Australian Radio Ian Dowsett Yacht Association (Inc) Secretary 13 Coppins Tce, Fulham Gardens, SA, 5024 http://www.saradioyachting.org.au/ email: [email protected] Tel: (08) 8235 9142

Tasmanian Radio Yachting Ken Dobbie Council Secretary 26 Winbourne Rd, West Moonah, TAS, 7009 email: [email protected] Tel: (03) 6272 6916 Fax: (03) 6272 6963

Victoria Radio Yachting David Thomas Association (Inc) Secretary 44 Bindowan Dve, Hoppers Crossing, VIC, 3029 email: [email protected] Tel (03) 9748 0641

Radio Association Ross Bennett Of Western Australia (Inc) Secretary 4 View St, Maylands, WA, 6051 http://www.rsawa.asn.au email: [email protected] Tel: (08) 9479 1658

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CONTENTS ADVERTISING ARYA Contacts 2 Paid advertising in Radio Waves is accepted up to the copy deadline as displayed on page 3. Editorial 3 Advertising Rates: (per issue) State Affiliates 4 Full Page $70 On Another Tack… 5 Half Page: $40 President Report 7 Quarter Page $25 Club Profile—Mawson Lakes MYC 7 A discount of 15% applies to advertising in 3 con- secutive issues with full payment in advance. Calendar of Major Events 12 2012 Nats preliminary info 12 Sail trim for RC Yachts 14 SUBSCRIPTIONS Onboard Camera Pictures 20 Radio Waves is supplied to affiliated members of Handy Web Sites 21 the ARYA and distributed through Member State Councils and Clubs. WARNING—ARYA Boats for Sale 21 Non members may subscribe to the newsletter for Alternate Penalties 22 an annual subscription (3 issues) including postage Offset mark set at windward mark 26 for: International AUD$18, New Zealand AUD$15, Class Corner Australia AUD$7.50 A Class 27 Forward all requests to the editor Marblehead 29 Cover: A Class racing at Dunmore, NSW Micro Magic 30 Photo: Garry Bromley

On Another tack…

A woman was having a medical problem - her husband was snoring very loudly and every night ! So she called the doc- tor one morning, and asked him if there was anything he could do to relieve her "suffering." "Well, there is one operation I can per- form that will cure your husband" said the doctor, "but it is really rather ex- pensive. It will cost you $10,000 down, and payments of $1000 for 36 months, plus payments for extras of course. "My goodness!" the woman exclaimed, "that sounds like I'm buying a yacht!" "Humm," the doctor murmured, "too Picture: Steve Jones dual rated Marblehead obvious, huh?" Photo by: Graham Brown

Nov-Feb 2012 Page 5

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New IOM Rapid from $1250.00

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to both rules and by-laws, was to be President Report reviewed. A sub-committee was as- s this is my final report for sembled to take on this task but was Radio Waves I would firstly put on hold when ISAF took steps to like to pass on my thanks to remove recognition of the Radio Sail- all of my fellow Radio Sail- ing Division (R.S.D.) and after some Aors who have taken the time and effort considerable time re-instated an Inter- to participate and contribute to the national Radio Sailing Association management of ARYA over many years. (I.S.R.A.) as a replacement. I take full responsibility of no further action of this review, as in this third year in office, due to the ageing process and more pressing personal commit- ments my interest and personal com- mitment is not as strong as it previous- ly was. The incoming executive may well in- fuse active management for all matters pertaining to the interests of all radio Many and varied matters have arisen sailors for the coming years. I wish over my tenure, with the majority be- them well. ing resolved in the best interest of Ra- In the near future I will be able to go dio Sailors. However, there are two lakeside and enjoy competitive racing items that have yet to be resolved to and social sailing, without the burden the satisfaction of certain groups. of office, as many others do. Firstly the National Championship format, which was as a result of a sur- Hub Bell vey (not overly well contributed to by as many as was thought), concluded that NO change would be made as no Club Profile one alternative option offered an ac- Mawson Lakes Model Yacht Club ceptable format, as deemed by the ex- he Mawson Lakes Model ecutive. Yacht Club is located at Secondly, the ARYA Constitution, Mawson Lakes which is which has served well since circa 1964 about 15 Kilometres North- along with the occasional amendment T West of the Adelaide CBD.

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The mission of the Mawson Lakes gust 2008 with 10 members and now Model Yacht Club is to: has an active membership of 51 mem- bers. It is significant that, of the mem-  Encourage and foster model yachting at Mawson Lakes and bers who have joined the club, and other waters in every respect there have been 71 have joined since incorporation, 18 had sailed model  Optimise the use of facilities of yachts before joining. The club is right- the Club for the benefit of mem- bers providing infrastructure ly proud to have introduced a signifi- for construction, training, social cant number of people to the hobby activities and discussion and The club have recently completed a  Provide and promote our facili- project to build a new class of yacht ties for cruising and good na- that is particularly suited to Mawson tured competition Lakes. The Mawson Lakes 45. Most of The lake is man made and either by the initial models were built in a group design or by accident, it is one of the workshop environment where all best lakes in the country for model members of the club participated and yachting. Because of the design of the helped each other. The model is taken lake, club activities take the form of from a 1970’s Vic Smeed design, the long courses and lots of walking. The Panache, originally built as a 30 inch club has placed seven buoys in the lake model. and has a variety of set courses that The club scaled the plans up to provide are sailed through the day. Every Sat- for a 45 inch (1.1 metre) hull. As the urday afternoon sail entails about a clubs philosophy is about options, op- 7km walk, which because of the style tions to move on to racing and other of sailing exercises the body as well as classes, it was decided during the de- the mind. sign process to adopt the IOM rig as Every possible assistance is given to the rig for the Mawson Lakes 45. Fully newcomers to help them come to rigged with radio equipment the over- terms with the nuances of the hobby. all weight is about 6.4 kg. Some are The club has been positioned as an more, some are less. With mast and entry level club that is ideal for the sails the same as those fitted to an IOM newcomer to the hobby. The club has a and optionally the keel and rudder can mentoring system where new mem- be too. The ML45 concept provides a bers are mentored by experienced more traditional design and construct members to teach the principles of which is ideal for the newcomer to the sailing and trimming model sailboats. hobby. It then allows a less costly transition to a club focused on racing The Club was incorporated on 12 Au-

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with the IOM class. The first was lem the Mawson Lakes Model Yacht launched on 13 August 2005. Club introduced, in 2008, a personal handicapping system, the Rygged Start. Since that first launch in 2005 a 58 The system was introduced by the Lee further examples have been launched, Valley Model Yacht Club, UK, in 1991. mostly by members who have never We are grateful for their contribution. built a model, of any sort, before. It is designed to: The Problem: Experienced 'model  Relieve the beginner of the pres- yachters' tend to forget that to new- sures of crowded start lines, comers, model can appear until such time as they are suffi- a pretty daunting experience. This can ciently experienced to cope. be particularly true at the start, when  Give encouragement, by ena- anarchy and overcrowding readily bling some early wins. overwhelms the beginner. As a result,  Eliminate the beginner's prone- the 'fall-out' rate of newcomers can be ness to hanging around well very high. behind the start line in order to avoid close contact sailing. The Solution: To overcome this prob-

New from Hales Micro: Surface Mount Block SMB-1

Blocks are supplied with two 2mm stainless steel washers, two plastic 2mm flange washers, a plastic 3mm washer and a M2 x 12mm stainless steel bolt and nut. These accessories provide for various fixed or swivelling applications. A typical mainsheet bulkhead application is shown above.

Nov-Feb 2012 Page 9

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The Rygged Start: Coloured ribbons start at the designated time. If the boat are awarded to boats according to is being skippered by a visitor or a their past performance. (Red/Yellow/ guest skipper the Sailing Master can Green/Black/Blue/White/Orange/ override this rule and redesignate the Purple/Pink) New boats are automati- start time for that start only. The boat cally granted a 'full' handicap (denoted will not accrue points if it is being by a Red ribbon) upon launching. irre- sailed by a guest skipper and is redes- spective of previous ability. ignated. The handicap granted is determined by Benefits: We start by giving every new the awarding of three points by achiev- boat a Red ribbon. This has lead to an ing a first place, two points for second interesting and exciting year's cruising and one point for third. as members sort themselves out into their and their boats, real ability levels. When a boat has gained 'X' points it will result in promotion by one colour. Another benefit of the system is the way in which beginners are introduced Red, 6 Points; Yellow, 9 Points; Green, to close quarter cruising 'gradually'. 12 Points; Black, 14 Points; Blue, 16 This occurs as the faster sailors catch Points; White, 8 Points; Orange,20 them up after the start and try to over- Points; Purple, 22 Points; Pink, 24 haul them. Points This innovation is in keeping with the Boats indicate their current starting Mission Statement of the club and has position by flying a coloured tell-tail on contributed considerably to its growth. the back stay of their boat. The colour of the tell-tail determines starting posi- On 15 October 2011 the Club in com- tion. Boats with a Red ribbon are al- pany with the City of Salisbury will be lowed to cross the start line at the des- conducting a Regatta open to all model yachts (with the exception of 10 Rater ignated Start Time. 30 seconds later and A Class). The purpose of the Regat- the boats with a Yellow ribbon depart ta is to encourage new participants and each colour departs 30 seconds and enjoy ourselves. Details can be after the last. Through to Pink. found at www.mawsonlakesregatta.org.au. The colour applies to that boat. Once a boat has moved up a colour they may The Mawson Lakes Model Yacht Club not be moved back up at any time. The is dedicated to the memory of Peter Lesty. exception is that on 1 January each year all boats move back two positions. www.mawsonlakesmyc.com No matter who sails the boat it will still Bob Smith

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Calendar of Major Events 2011-2012

November, 2011 5-6 TAS IOM State Championships, Risdon Brook Park 6 VIC Micro Magic State Championships, Patterson Lakes WA IOM Metro Championships & Champion Cup, Champion Lakes 12-13 NSW 10 Rater State Championships, Central Coast RYC QLD Multi Hull Championships, Lakeside, Kurwongbah SA Bournville & Marblehead State Championships, Patawolonga 19-20 ACT A Class State Championships, Bowen Park, Kingston 26-27 NSW IOM State Championships QLD RC Laser State Championships, Gold Coast

December, 2011 3-4 QLD 10 Rater State Championships, Emerald Lakes WA RC Laser State Championships, Jackadder Lake 10-11 WA IOM State Championships, Champion Lakes

January, 2012 2-14 NAT National Championships, Risdon Brook Park, TAS 12 NAT ARYA Annual General Meeting, Willows Tavern, East Risdon 26 NSW Australia Day Regatta, Drummoyne Sailing Club Australian National Championships – Hobart, Tasmania 2012

2012 RMG SailWinch ARYA Nationals To be held at Risdon Brook Park, Hobart, Tasmania from the 2nd to 14th January 2012. Hosted by Risdon Brook Radio Yacht Club (Incorporated).

1.DATES: International A Class January 2,3,4. International Ten Rater January 5,6,7. International Marblehead January 8,9,10. International One Meter January 11,12,13,14. Where the event is sailed as a single fleet, the event will be sailed over 2 days and the 3rd day will be a lay day.

2. NOTICE of RACE: Will be available on the ARYA web page 3. ACCOMODATION: Accommodation guide www.tasmaniainformation.com.au 4. Contact for information [email protected] 5. Nationals Website http://2012nationals.radiosailing.org.au

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With hundreds of fittings now available on our easy to use website, Denis and Cassie have combined their passion for Radio Sailing, with over 50 years experience as retail professionals, to bring you a range of fittings for Radio Yachts IOM – Marblehead – 10 Rater – A Class – EC12 – MM etc Masts - Booms - Rig & Boom Kits & Parts – Deck Fittings Fins & Rudders - Radios & Servos - Hulls - Winches - Batteries Sails & Sailmaking Materials - Fasteners - Accessories etc Quick Service – Secure Online Payment Options Order and Buy Online or by email or Phone

www.radiosailingshop.com.au email [email protected] or Phone us on 0418 348 927 or 03 6234 2486 Good Sailing to All – Denis McLoughlin & Cassie Midgley

Nov-Feb 2012 Page 13

Sail Trim For RC Yachts hy do skippers always positioning a hook on the mast. Other seem to be adjusting variables such as back stay etc will need their sails between rac- to be adjusted to suit. es? Whereas most of us Mast Bend Waverage sailors are simply trying to find the best sail settings, the top skippers Using the backstay and the ram together are actually trimming the sails for chang- allows control of the mast bend, and ing conditions. positions the bend in the mast to suit the sail shape required. Tightening or loos- What is sail trim? ening the side stays controls sideways Sail trim is setting up the sails to be their bend. most efficient for the prevailing condi- Sail Leech Twist tions and is done by using some or all of the following variables: mast position, In light, steady wind in flat water the mast rake, mast bend, main and jib leech leeches of both sails need very little twist twist, vang, mast ram, main and jib luff but twist must be induced in drifting and tension, boom offset, jib stay sag, foot heavier winds and in waves. tension of both main and jib. Vang For some classes of RC yacht it is very The vang is used primarily to set up the difficult to achieve the ideal setting for main leech tension for the run, and is some of the variables given below due to normally set before the mast ram which class rules and the way in which the vari- is used to set the mainsail twist for the ables are adjusted on the boat. work. A good starting point is to have Trim Variables the top batten at right angles to the cen- tre line of the boat when the boom is Mast Position fully out. The mast can be moved but is usually Ram left in the same position once the de- sired helm is achieved. The ram is used to tension or twist off the main leech to suit the prevailing con- Mast Rake ditions, and to allow more or less mast The mast can be raked back to provide bend down low in conjunction with the weather helm in extremely light condi- backstay. Lower or baby stays are used tions, or slightly forwards to reduce ex- in some classes of yacht. cessive weather helm in stronger condi- Luff Tension tions. Forward rake is generally not used if the mast can be moved forward. The This helps position the draft of the sail. rake is achieved by adjusting the length Increasing tension helps move the draft of the forestay with a bowsie, or by re- forward.

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Boom Offset both sails. The angle of offset of the booms from How do we actually set up the sails on the boat centre line is used to balance an RC yacht? the boat. In drifting conditions and IOMs Compromise, compromise strong winds the booms are set more to leeward. Firstly, the soft aluminium alloy masts are pre-bent forward in the top two- Jib Stay Sag thirds to allow for backstay tension to This is difficult to adjust separately from make them stiffer, otherwise the mast other changes in RC yachts as it is a prod- will be over bent trying to obtain jib stay uct of backstay tension, and in IOMs, tension. This mast pre-bend. Unless a separate fore- introduces problems in very light winds stay is used a tight forestay is generally in that it is near impossible to ease off accepted. In full-size yachts it is an im- the jibstay when desirable to induce portant aspect of sail trim. fullness in the jib, and the mainsail will Foot Tension not tack easily in very light winds with the backstay eased especially with main Foot tension is used to make the bottom luff rings which allow the luff to go be- of the sail flatter or fuller. Flat for drifters side the mast. It is more important that and stronger winds, eased for other the main will tack easily in the light winds. winds so the backstay is tensioned to Mast bend is the major adjustment when match the mast curve to the main luff there is an increase in wind speed with- curve and just accept the tight jib stay. It out increase in waves. The flatter the often takes a bit of experimentation to water, the more mast bend can be em- get the mast curve just right, but you can ployed. As waves increase, less mast usually copy from a successful boat. It is bend and more sail twist should be used. possible to ease the jib stay with a pre- Optimal mast bend is reached when the bent mast if the ram is also eased. This draft in the upper third of the mainsail is flattens the bottom third of the mainsail at 50% of the chord. so is advantageous in both very light and stronger winds. It should be noted that the type of sail material determines the extent of repo- ‘A’ Class sitioning of draft in a sail. A softer mate- Masts are mostly carbon fibre, tapered, rial such as Code 0 dinghy cloth can have untapered, or assembled from tubes its shape forced more than a rigid mate- therefore no pre-bending is possible. The rial such as mylar drafting film and so the jibstay tension is obtained by a combina- shape built in by the sail maker greatly tion of backstay and mast ram and suffi- determines the sailing shape. This means cient luff curve has to be built in to the that we generally have to accept a com- mainsails to allow for bending the mast promise in the position of the draft in to obtain jib stay tension.

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Jibstay tension is not as great as you waves. In very light winds, both sails might expect, so an allowance for jib must have twist in them. Both booms stay sag has to be made when cutting should be slightly off centre to both the luff of the jib. However, it is possible open the slot and to prevent trying to to induce some jib stay sag in very light point too high. winds by easing both the backstay and Light Winds (2 - 8 k) ram. This also has the effect of flattening the lower part of the mainsail. Sail trim Use the vang to first set the desired is particularly important with the ‘A’ twist in the mainsail on a run. Ease the class yacht as the short fin means that backstay and adjust ram (to straighten the yacht has less righting moment than bottom section of mast) to tighten jib classes such as the ‘M’ or R10R with stay and remove twist from main leech. their much longer fins, and poor sail trim Ease jib leech topping lift to remove effects heeling and leeway. some twist from the jib. Ease the foot of both sails to make the bottom third In light, steady winds the leeches can be fuller, and move both booms slightly set up slightly closed, but in waves and closer to the centre of the boat. Apply all other wind strengths the leeches some tension to the luff of both sails. should be progressively opened. The amount of twist in the main can be Setting Sails to The Wind Strength for from 0 - 4 degrees depending on the the ‘A’ Class (but works for other clas- helm desired. Both main and jib should ses) be full with the maximum fullness fur- ther forward if it is possible to do this. Note that these wind speeds are a guide only and will vary for different designs Medium Winds (8 - 12 k) eg. Privateer (17 kg) and Gunboat (12 This is the designed wind range for best kg). boat performance and so the boat Very Light Winds (0 - 2 k) should be set up for maximum speed. The boat should not be overpowered, Tighten the backstay to prebend the and can be set up to both point and pro- mast and ease the ram to loosen the jib vide best speed. Settings are similar to stay and flatten the lower third of the light winds, with the leeches being eased mainsail. The top of the main should if the wind is gusty or heeling the boat have its fullness at about 50% of the too much or waves are present. chord if possible. There should be a twist of about 8 degrees or more between the Strong Winds for #1 Rig (12 - 15k) top and bottom battens (or panels). Both This is at the upper range for #1 rig and main and jib luff tensions should be the boat will heel excessively so steps loose. The foot of both main and jib can must be taken to keep the boat upright. be flattened somewhat. If there are The booms are eased off centre, the waves, more fullness is needed in both leeches are twisted by a combination of sails to drive the boat through the backstay tension and ram loosening

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(which also slightly eases the jib stay). In the sails need to be trimmed for balance gusts it is best to ease the winch slightly and heel as for the #1 rig ie flatter sails, and keep the boat driving rather than more twist. Often a combination of sails rounding up. Some lighter designs such from different rigs will set a boat up as the Gunboat may need to reduce sail better and retain boat speed with re- area at this point. duced leeway Above 15 k Sailing in Waves The ‘A’ class allows the sails to be used in When waves are present, the sails must any combination. Change to #2 rig, or be twisted to allow the boat to drive use a combination of #1 jib and #2 main more readily through them to windward. to better balance the boat, depending on This is true for all classes of RC yacht. On the design. When changing to a smaller a reach, the waves will move the boat to rig in the bottom of its wind range, it leeward so sailing a course slightly above should be noted that the boat is not the rhumb line will both allow for this overpowered and so the sails should be and also deter other boats from trying to trimmed for maximum power ie full sails, overtake to windward. On a run, the straight mast, tight jib luff etc. waves should be employed to induce the boat to plane and this is done by heading At the top of the wind range for each rig,

Nov-Feb 2012 Page 17

up slightly on the back of a wave, and you will need to see what other skippers then bearing off as the boat begins to in your class are doing. plane down the wave face. The sails Sail Fullness need to be continually adjusted with the winch to keep speed up because the The greater the draft of the sail, the less apparent wind is brought forward with efficient the sail is to windward. Draft the speed increase of the boat. This depends on: means that the course to the bottom  the draft built into the sail mark is not a straight line but a zig-zag, obviously taking into account the prox-  foot tension imity of other boats. This is a point of  mast bend sailing where a great amount of ground  jib stay sag can be gained by good exponents of this  technique. It is important to set the cor- twist rect amount of twist in the main for the A full leading edge is needed in waves, run with the vang, to ensure that not dirty air and gust response. A flat leading too much wind is spilled when the boom edge (draft aft) is appropriate for is fully out. This generally means that pointing in flat water. (Note: a main sail the top batten is approximately at right can be set up to increase fullness off the angles to the centre line of the hull but wind by having the gooseneck pivot

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point a distance behind the mast so that To make boat point as the boom goes out the fullness will  boat should be up to speed with increase due to the shortening of the very little leeway distance of the clew from the mast).  point up Pointing  increase mast bend When to Point  reduce or no main twist Point up in moderate air (4 - 14 k) and  flatten main sail smooth water.  vang tension set for run When NOT to Point  tension outhaul  tension luff  Very light winds (0 - 4 k)  main boom on centre  Waves  reduce jib sag (tighten jib stay)  Heavy air (14 + k)  reduce jib twist Strong gusts (ease winch one or two  ease jib luff clicks and drive off slightly) - the tendan-  jib boom in cy of most skippers is to point up in gusts but the distance made good more than To Control boat in strong wind makes up for the distance lost to wind-  more wind than boat needs so ward unless needed to round a mark. trying to keep speed and prevent leeway Summary  don’t try to point too high, ease winch and head down in gusts Drifters/very light winds  increase mast bend  unable to get to boat speed  increase main twist  point off  vang tension set for run  bend mast  tension outhaul  twist main  tension luff  ease vang  sheet main boom more to lee-  slightly tension outhaul ward  ease luff tension  increase jib stay sag (the strong  main boom slightly out wind may do it for you)  increase jib stay sag (loosen jib  increase jib twist stay)  tension jib luff  twist jib  jib boom out slightly  ease jib luff Brian Dill  jib boom slightly out Wollongong MYC

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Onboard Camera Pictures with 4 new LNG plants being built in the Gladstone Region, The Gladstone e had an email from Da- Club is experiencing great growth and vid Black mentioning is looking forward to record fleet num- the editor would like a bers when we can get all boats on the W photo for the front cover. water...(shift work makes things tough at times for all to attend.) Recently we placed a mini camera on one of our IOM’s at the Gladstone Have a look around our site and we Radio Controlled Yacht Club and would like to invite you...to invite oth- got some great footage, which can be ers to our Facebook page too. seen at our well kept website http://www.facebook.com/pages/ www.rcyachts.com.au. Radio-Controlled-Sailing- These are some stills of that footage Australia/139268939456360 and I’m sure you’ll agree they gives a completely different look at things. Grant Cooper With the recent boom of work here Secretary, Gladstone RCYC

Radio Waves is published three times a year by the Australian Radio Yachting Association (Inc) (ARYA). The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the ARYA or the Editor. Technical tips, and the methods sug- gested, are the views of the person submitting them, and ARYA can accept no responsibility for their accuracy whatso- ever.

Radio Waves welcomes contributions on any subject associated with the sport of radio yachting. High quality photos would be particularly appreciated. Articles and photos can be emailed or posted direct to the editor. Submissions may be subject to Editorial revision due to space or other considerations. Page 20 Nov-Feb 2012

SAILS: Handy Web sites Championship Model Yachting Assn Great Britain winning sails for all http://myauk.wordpress.com/ classes since 1980 Building Model Boats http://www.building-model- boats.com/ 10r: Phoenix 5 Ship in Bottle Hull to completed boats http://shipinbottle.net/ Ship Model Super Store Plans: A Class, 10r, M, IOM http://www.shipmodelsuperstore.com/

RC Sailboat & Model Sailing Guide Frank Russell Design http://www.rcsailboatguide.com/ 65 Hobart Ave Umina Beach NSW 2257 Have any links others could be interest- 02 43 414060 0417 456 929 ed in? Then email the editor with the link for inclusion in future publications. [email protected] http://frankrusselldesign.com/

WARNING – ARYA “BOATS FOR SALE”

In the past there have been incidents of the use of “Boats for Sale” on the ARYA website http://www.radiosailing.org.au/forsale.htm in an attempted scam to launder stolen cheques. This particular scam operates by the pur- chaser forwarding the seller a large cheque, greater than the purchase price, and requesting that the cheque be banked and the balance transferred to another account using Western Union money transfer or some other means. If a seller takes this action they can be left without a boat and having to re- fund the full amount of the stolen cheque.

If you have any suspicions whatsoever that the contact is not genuine, please DO NOT divulge any of your personal details (including Back Account Numbers) until you are completely satisfied that the contact is legitimate. If any member is contacted in this or any other dubious way, please discontin- ue the contact and report any attempted scam to your relevant state Depart- ment of Fair Trading/Consumer Affairs.

When your boat is sold, can you please let me know ASAP so it can be removed from the ARYA website.

Eddie Cowell – ARYA Webmaster

Nov-Feb 2012 Page 21

When is an alternative penalty not an alternative penalty?

which reads as follows: riginally, there was only one penalty for a boat which 44 PENALTIES AT THE TIME OF AN INCIDENT infringed the Racing Rules 44.1 Taking a Penalty of Sailing (RRS). An infring- A boat may take a Two-Turns Pen- Oing boat had no alternative other than to alty when she may have broken a retire from the race. Over time, Yacht rule of Part 2 while racing or a Racing authorities saw fit to introduce One-Turn Penalty when she may penalties for infringements which were have broken rule 31. Sailing in- more in keeping with the severity of the structions may specify the use of infringement. Perhaps this was because the Scoring Penalty or some other they were getting sick and tired of penalty. However, spending so many hours in the Protest Room, and sailing was becoming a court (a) when a boat may have broken battle rather than a sport! a rule of Part 2 and rule 31 in the same incident she need not take The system of Scoring Penalties the penalty for breaking rule 31; (accepting a scoring increase) was the first attempt to make the penalty fit the (b) if the boat caused injury or crime. A 20% increase in the final score serious damage or gained a sig- was applied to that race. Soon after this, nificant advantage in the race or the 720 degree penalty turns were intro- series by her breach her penalty duced, where skippers could exonerate shall be to retire. themselves on the water by sailing 44.2 One-Turn and Two-Turns Penalties through two complete turns prior to con- After getting well clear of other tinuing in the race. boats as soon after the incident as Radio Sailing introduced a 360 degree possible, a boat takes a One-Turn penalty as the length of races was not as or Two-Turns Penalty by promptly long as for full size yacht racing. At the making the required number of last rules revision (2009-2012), the 360 turns in the same direction, each degree requirement was withdrawn, and turn including one tack and one replaced with a requirement to perform gybe. When a boat takes the pen- one tack and one gybe in the same direc- alty at or near the finishing line, tion, as an alternative. she shall sail completely to the course side of the line before fin- The relevant rule which allows this alter- ishing. native method of exoneration is Rule 44,

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Appendix E (Radio Controlled Yacht Rac- inside boat, take the penalty and contin- ing Rules) replaces all mentions of a two ue. In this situation, it could be argued turn penalty with a one turn penalty in- that the boat infringing has received a cluding one tack and one gybe. significant advantage, and therefore, the alternative penalty is not an acceptable EXCEPTIONS exoneration for that infringement. There are a number of situations under which a One-Turn alternative penalty is A boat can not receive an advantage by not permitted, or is not the appropriate committing an infringement and per- penalty for an infringement. forming an alternative penalty. RULES OF PART 2 ONLY: WHERE TO PERFORM THE PENALTY: Not all infringements of the rules are Rule 44.2 states that a boat must sail able to be exonerated by the alternative “well clear of other boats”. A boat must penalty under Rule 44. The alternative not perform her penalty in the path of penalty can only be used in the event other boats. Rule 44 is a rule of Part 4 of that the rule infringed is a Rule of Part 2 the RRS, and it could be argued that a (When Boats Meet – Rules 10 to 24) or boat infringing other boats whilst per- Rule 31 (touching a mark). Therefore, in forming the one-turn penalty has broken the event that a skipper breaches a rule this rule. There is no alternative penalty of Part 1 – Fundamental Rules, or other for breaking a rule of Part 4. Note that Parts of the RRS, the penalty remains the word “initially” was present in the disqualification from the race (or series). 2005-2009 Rules (a boat must initially Similarly, measurement infringements sail well clear of other boats), but has are not covered by Rule 44. been removed from the 2009-2012 rules. SERIOUS DAMAGE OR INJURY: In practice, there are circumstances un- der which a boat infringing another boat In the event that a boat causes serious whilst performing a One-turn penalty is damage to another, the infringing boat is able to exonerate itself by sailing another unable to exonerate with a one-turn penalty. The infringing boat would be penalty. The only recourse is to retire required to show that she did sail well from the race, or face disqualification. clear of other boats prior to initiating the SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGE: penalty. Note that the Rule makers did Consider a fleet of 10 boats approaching not insert the words “sail completely a mark. Another boat coming to the clear of other boats”. In the event that mark just behind this group is faced with another boat appears on the scene very the choice to sail right around the ten late (as can happen on very light days) boats or to crash into the mark and the the infringing boat may have complied

Nov-Feb 2012 Page 23

with the requirements of Rule 44. Under with Rule 44.2. Excerpts from the case these circumstances, another alternative follow: penalty could be sailed to exonerate that Rule 44.1 does not provide time for a second infringement. boat to deliberate whether she Many boats attempt to perform a penal- has broken a rule. If a boat de- ty turn right in the path of other boats. cides too late that she has bro- In the event that the turn is able to be ken a rule, the penalty provided completed without interfering with an- by Rule 44 is not available to other boat, there is no problem. Howev- her. er, a skipper undertaking this manouvre Rule 44.1 permits a boat to take a has the onus of proof to show that they penalty at the time of the inci- did not interfere with other boats during dent. Rule 44.2 requires the the penalty turn. Other boats in the vi- boat to sail well clear of other cinity are not required to anticipate that boats as soon as possible after a boat will perform a penalty, and are the incident and promptly make not required to commence to keep clear two turns as described in the until the boat performing the turn has rule. Together, these rules re- completed the turn. quire a boat that decides to take a penalty to do so as soon WHEN TO PERFORM THE PENALTY: as possible after the incident. Rule 44.2 also states that the penalty The rule does not provide for should be performed ‘as soon after the time for a boat to deliberate incident as possible’. In earlier versions whether she has broken a rule. of the Rules, boats were required to per- If she delays in doing her penal- form the penalty either prior to rounding ty turns, she is still liable to be the next mark, or immediately. Both disqualified. have been removed from the stipula- tions of the Rule in the 2009-2012 ver- In this case, the Appeals Committee and sion of the RRS. Protest Committee were convinced that 15 boat lengths, in the absence of other The requirement to perform the penalty boats, was more than sufficient time as soon as possible after the incident is and opportunity for a boat to react. I am covered in US Appeals Case 60. This case unable to find other precedents, but was one where an infringing boat sailed each situation would need to be meas- on about 15 boat lengths without any ured on its merits. evidence that any other boat’s presence prevented her from performing penalty A boat which infringes can gain a signifi- turns prior to actually doing the penalty. cant advantage on occasions by delaying a performing a penalty turn. These could She was disqualified for not complying Page 24 Nov-Feb 2012

be waiting till the wind increases on a formed an appropriate penalty. light day, or by waiting until nearing the top mark if the infringement occurs at CONCLUSION the start. In both cases, this skipper has Generally, skippers don’t like protests. not complied with the requirements of They interfere with sailing time and are Rule 44. not good for overall enjoyment of the sport. The provision of an alternative HOW TO PERFORM THE PENALTY which allows infringements to be sorted The Rule stipulates that the penalty turn out on the water is a good thing. must be sailed in one direction. It is un- However, like most things, there are acceptable to sail through a gybe in one those who will seek to take every ad- direction, then change your mind and vantage, and ignore or stretch the rules. tack in the other direction. The manou- An understanding of all the require- vre also needs to be sailed in one contin- ments of Rule 44 is important. Clearing uous motion. If a boat gybes, then sails a infringements on the water has to be a few boat lengths before tacking, it could good thing for everyone individually as be argued that this manouvre does not well as the sport in general. comply with the provision of a ‘turn’. Once again, the onus would be on the Glenn Dawson Perth RSC skipper to prove that they had per-

Picture: Queensland A Class State Championships, Lakeside Speedway, Brisbane Photo by: Ray Smith

Nov-Feb 2012 Page 25

Offset Mark set at a Windward Mark question of offset marks. There are no other SI’s that state that the two marks he purpose of an offset mark is ought to be treated as one that I can to separate boats approaching find. (Happy to stand corrected if anyone the windward mark from those else can find some!) who have rounded and are pro- Tceeding to sail on the first reach. Placing The problems which arise are normally an offset mark can be a safety measure, when a trailing boat, which did not have as a collision in this situation could be an overlap at the zone for the first mark fairly severe. Offset marks are especially (but establishes an overlap by the time important in a situation where the wind- they reach the windward mark) travels ward mark is fairly distant from the faster than a leading boat, which sails bank. wide, and then find that they have poked their nose to leeward and have nowhere In addition, the Offset mark can act as to go. The leading boat would be entitled one end of a finishing line in conjunction to squeeze the trailing boat into the off- with the windward mark. set mark. This causes quite a few argu- At the National Championships which ments between skippers. were held at Champion Lakes in Perth, The other problem experienced is that RSAWA wrote into the SI’s, that the two skippers argue that if they hit both marks would be set approximately 4 marks, they only have to do one turn, as boat lengths apart and they would be the marks are considered as being one treated as one mark. It was stipulated mark, whereas other skippers argue that that an overlap established at the 4 boat they ought to do two turns – one for length zone for the first mark would hold each hit. There are no clear rules relating till both boats had left both marks to this situation. astern. They did not state that a boat could not pass another to leeward – just A lot of these problems can be solved by that the rules relating to mark rounding simply by placing the offset mark further applied to both marks, as if they were away from the windward mark, so that one. the 4 boat length zones of the two marks do not intersect (ie place the marks In practice, setting an offset mark 4 boat about 8 to 10 meters apart). In this situa- lengths away from the windward mark, tion, the mark rounding rules apply to and treating them as a single mark has each mark independently. led to quite a few problems in club rac- ing. Searching the ISAF RRS 2009-2012, By trying to treat the two marks as a the amendments to these rules, the case single mark, there are unnecessary, book, numerous Rules Forums and vague and ill defined “local rules” intro- googleing it, I have not been able to find duced, which are not written anywhere any mention of rules which apply when in the official rules of sailing. one considers the two marks as one. Glenn Dawson PRSC The ARYA Standard SI’s are silent on the Page 26 Nov-Feb 2012

Class Corner A Class The Queensland A Class State Championships were held at the lenty of A class regatta Lakeside Raceway on the top dam action with three states on the 3rd September 2011. There holding successful state were 6 competitors Malcolm Kampe, titles during the period. Yeoman Sands from Gin Gin, Gary P Taylor from Glasshouse Mountains There’s still plenty of evidence of continuing renewed interest in the and Bruce Chapman, Bob Worton class; particularly in NSW and QLD. and Ray Nasmith from Pine Rivers Radio Yacht Club. Malcolm Kampe NSW sailed the A that was recently ac- Congratulations to Brian Dill, Phil quired by John McCone, he certainly Page and Daniel Weizman for their showed the fleet how to sail a con- respective placings at the GP event stant first place, with Gary Taylor hot held at Kariong on the NSW central on his heels for second spot, Ray coast. Several new skippers attend- Nasmith came third not without hic- ing which is fantastic and welcomed. cups, Yeoman Sands was fourth, he Thanks go to Northern Mariners for also had some hard luck, Bob Wor- a well run regatta. Full report and ton finished fifth, his effect was good results on NSWYRA website. Most considering that he has only had the likely this will remain a permanent boat a short time, Bruce Chapman venue for one of the GP rounds for brought up the rear. following years. NSW has now com- pleted three GP events and we are The weather was kind to the fleet and looking for a fourth venue to round produced some good racing it was out the year…. Any expressions of sunny with a southerly early then interest? Lots of growing interest in swinging to a southeast later on in NSW at the moment with several the afternoon, the wind was strong “keels being laid” for new boats. The and changeable on occasions it was NSW state championship to be held nearly required a change down to B at Kograh Bay 22nd & 23rd of October rigs, some did. The PRO was Bruce is shaping up to be a competitive Frazer and his henchman from event. NOR via NSWRYA website. PRRYC for keeping the fleet under control, not that they needed too, QLD thanks to Maurie Cook for cooking a Ray Nasmith reports on a successful great sausage sizzle for lunch. All in Qld state title; Nov-Feb 2012 Page 27

Class Corner all the day was successful. Well done to Graeme for winning the State Championship, Gary for his WA usual consistency at or near the front Glenn Dawson reports on a suc- of the fleet and Rob Murdoch for his cessful WA A class state champi- Third in his first A Class Regatta. onship held on the 28/8/2011 at Jackadder Lake; Denton Roberts our PRO for the day set windward and return four leg rac- The six entrants faced a glassy lake es with a gate at the bottom and a at regatta start time which was de- distance mark at the top together with layed for some half hour or so. Even- an array of other buoys for the shift- tually we got a light two to five knot ing breeze. Thanks to Denton and all shifting easterly that died two thirds his helpers on the day for persevering through each of the first five heats. in very trying conditions - the sailors An early lunch break was called hop- appreciated your efforts. ing for a better breeze to set in. Photos from the Championships were Graeme Howie handled the light contributed by Mark Holt, Ian's 10 shifting conditions very well with four year old son - great work Mark, and wins and a second for the morning thank you from the Club. They can be followed by Gary Cotterell in the oth- seen in the Photo Gallery located at er Sword with four seconds. Rob the Perth Radio Yacht Club website. Murdoch sailing Wombat kept the two Swords on their toes and sailed TAS very well all day. Congratulations to Michael Hick- man, John Cole Cook and Lisa The afternoon settled down to a five Blackwood for their respective plac- to seven knot South to South- ings in the TAS state championships, Westerly shifting breeze that saw hosted by the North West Radio another eleven races complet- Yacht Club. Hopefully some strong ed. Gary Cotterell got his boat going club racing leading into the National in the afternoon, giving Graeme a run titles at Risdon. for his money. However, Graeme's lead from the morning was proving a SA bit too big and Gary slipped another (Looking for an SA state contact for two points behind to finish second an update) behind Graeme Howie. Garry Bromley

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Class Corner Marblehead or’s wives helped out throughout the event. he Victorian Marblehead The North Queensland RM titles State titles were held on were held on the 24th August with June 5th with 8 starters. the stalwart of the class in the north, T Rob O’Brien had a keel Col Cameron, winning the event in failure in the first race with his keel his HEK Camber from Ross Ander- sinking to the bottom of the Maribyr- son sailing his Cumulus with Dean nong River and took no further part. The rate of attrition was high during the event, which left Andrew Reid, Pat Parisienne and John Keleher to fight it out at the top. Andrew took it out by 2 points from Pat after 12 rac- es. Good racing guys. The weekend of the 2nd of July saw the Queensland Marblehead State Championships held at Burrum Heads. It was great to see a good entry list of 13 starters greet the PRO Peter Morris. Bruce Yarrow got off to a fine start in the light winds. with Anderson and Tim Arland fighting it Mark Harris, Tom Butler, Denis out for 3rd placing – Denis and I have Crawley and Mark Beneke taking fond memories of sailing in North early wins also. Andrew Sands had Queensland and hope to return in the his new Prime Number going well to future. take out races 5 and 13 and Mark By the time this is published, the Harris’s new Starkers was impres- NSW RM State titles will have been sive. After 18 races Bruce Yarrow run and won, and the Tassie State won the event from a fast finishing Titles will be held on the 22/23 Octo- Mark Harris with Mark Beneke just ber. Unfortunately we will be away edging out Tom Butler for 3rd. It is and miss this event for the first time pleasing to see such a great turnout in about 7 years. for this class in Queensland and it was noted that a small band of sail- November 12/13th brings the South

Nov-Feb 2012 Page 29

Class Corner

Australian RM States and Bournville Trophy events to be held Micro Magic at Lake Patawolonga. We are great he 2011 Australian Micro fans of this weekend, which com- Magic Cup this year hosted bines 2 major Marblehead events by Patterson Lakes Radio held over 2 days. The standard of Model Yacht Club over 23/24 racing is excellent and I urge any M T April was won by Bill Hutchison (29 sailors who would like a good holiday Pts) from Frank Katers (53 Pts) 2nd in Adelaide mixed with great sailing and Rodger Lee (56 Pts) 3rd. to attend this weekend, you won’t be disappointed. The 2012 Marblehead National Championships to be held in Hobart on the 8/9/10th of January should produce a strong field of 20 plus boats, so get your entry in now and make a booking early, see website for details Attracting a fleet of 22 boats the http://2012nationals.radiosailing.org. event was sailed in perfect conditions au/1/ at the Australian Watersport Centre at Patterson Lakes.

The 2012 Regatta will be held in There is still talk of a Marblehead Queensland with full details to be World Championship to be held in available shortly. France in 2012 so a “European Va- cation” should be considered for next State Championships was held in year. Queensland with 17 starters with Mi- chael Grieve winning on 11 Pts from Denis and I have shared the Marble- David Row 31 Pts and Graeme Turk head Coordinators role for over 5 36 Pts. The Victorian State Champi- years now and are so busy with our onship is scheduled for 6th Novem- business and other things, we have ber at Patterson Lakes. decided it is time to let someone else The Class continues to maintain a take over the role. Thanks for the presence in most States with seventy support from the people whom we paid up Class Association members have met and sailed with in this great nationally. class over the time, we look forward More information is available at the Class Web to “seeing you on the river” site at: www.aus.magicmicro.org/news.php

Cassie Midgley Graeme Turk

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