Jack Howlett Memorial Race – Saturday July 4

Here is a quick recap of the race format for this Saturday’s Jack Howlett Memorial Race.

There will be a single start for completing keel boats from all classes. The course will be a windward leeward which as per the deed of gift was Jack’s favorite. The course length will be displayed upon Hy-Seas in the usual way.

The warning signal will be at 11:00.

Boats planning to participate are requested to register via the Club office or e-mail to sailing@hudsonyachtclub.com

Sailing instructions will be available at the Club or from the Race Documents webpage
http://www.hudsonyachtclub.com/racing_documents.html

Race Committee Tips

Now that we have completed our 1st series of races, weI have put together a list of observations that might help our fellow RC's during the rest of the – especially due to the number of boats

• Come prepared, refresh your memory by reading the SI’s, check the forecast and arrive in good time.
• Bring your crew. Make sure you have enough people on the RC boat to record data – you need to write down which boats start with which fleet and, if possible, the time that each boat rounds the leeward mark. There has been some confusion as to which boats started when and if they have sailed the full course. Record the data very clearly.
• Make use of support boats. Both the RC and the support boat need to have a VHF radio so they can communicate.
• Make the start line long enough. A good rule is the length of the start line should be one and one half lengths of the largest boat to start times the number of boats starting
• Take a look at the results with the bosun before distribution. This quick double check will help improve the quality of the results and avoid reworking later.
Other info is available on the Club website at http://www.hudsonyachtclub.com/Race_Comm_Tips_&_GL_2008.pdf

LTM Championship Prize-Giving Wednesday at HYC

The final leg of the 5-race LTM Championship will be sailed on Wednesday evening off Oka. Due to the popularity of the series with over 40 boats competing from the four clubs, HYC will be hosting the prize-giving immediately after the race.

Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed boats in each class. There will also be a “2 for 1 Happy Hour” at the bar.

See you all there.

Introducing QuickSilver Senior Race Team

In addition to the full-season Senior Race Team, we now offer a six-week session, called QuickSilver Senior Race Team. This new format offers a race team in a shorter session, and like the full-season team, offers scheduling flexibility. And HYC continues to offer 420 boat leasing at a very reasonable price. So, aspiring young racers, come and join the fun with Coach Simon! The session starts July 13th.
See the Junior Sailing page on the website for further information, drop by the office for a Race Team package, or contact us at info@hudsonyachtclub.com

CN WorldWide Returns as FruitBowl Sponsor

The Hudson Yacht Club and the FruitBowl Youth Training Regatta are proud to announce CN Worldwide as the Regatta’s Title Sponsor for the second year in a row.

The first FruitBowl was established in 1996 as a regional training regatta. It has grown to become one of the best-attended youth regattas in North America and ranks amongst Canada’s largest multi-day youth sailing clinic. Over 200 sailors from the ages of 8 to 18 take part in two days of clinics followed by two days of racing. Classes include Optimist (green), Optimist (all others), Laser, Laser Radial, Byte, Byte CII, 420, 29er, and Laser >>, and for the first time this year, sailboards. Participants hail from across Canada and beyond.

The 2009 Fruitbowl Regatta will take place July 23rd –26th. For more information and registration, please go to http://hudsonyachtclub.com/hyc/fruitbowl/en/index.html

This year’s line-up of coaching talents will be as impressive as it was last year. A group of coaches with a wide international racing experience ranging across several boat categories namely the 470, Laser, Byte and 29er classes will be coaching all participants in their challenges on the water. The lead coach will again be Stephane Locas who represented Canada in the 2008 Olympics in the 470 class.

"Our decision to sponsor the HYC FruitBowl was an easy one," said Marie-Chantal Savoy, Director Business Development for CN WorldWide. "Just as this event has grown to become an internationally respected training regatta with the best coaches training the next-generation of world-class sailors, CN WorldWide too has become recognized as an industry leader in the transportation sector because of the expertise we bring to the table." CN WorldWide leverages their Ground Transportation trucking capabilities, an extensive network of warehousing and distribution facilities across Canada and the U.S., CN’s rail network, plus a customs brokerage service to deliver a truly comprehensive door-to-door transportation solution.

We are waiting for you at this year’s FruitBowl!

Etchells Canadian Championships 2009

Regatta report from Allan Gray.

All those sailors who were able to make it to Hudson Yacht Club for the 2009 Etchells Canadian Championships were in for a terrific ride. The regatta kicked off HYC’s 100th anniversary celebrations and the sailing gods smiled upon us. We had three days of wind and sunny skies on beautiful Lake of Two Mountains—and a couple of evenings of memorable post-race parties.

Fourteen boats from Lake Champlain, Toronto and the Montreal area vied for the championship. Day 1 began with the lake as flat as glass, but as the 12:30 starting time approached a 6-8 knot breeze began to fill in and the Race Committee managed to get in three races. At the end of the day, Hank Lammens, with crew Dirk Kneulman and John Clark, led with three bullets, followed by RCYC’s Allan Liebel and crew Kent Paisley and Mike Wren in 2nd spot, and HYC’s Scott Lawrence, Mike Laventure and Kevin Thompson in 3rd.

Day 2 was all about rock and roll, in more ways than one.
In 15-25 knot breezes the fleet got off four races, shredded a couple of chutes, and saw some spinnaker pole bits and pieces plummet to the bottom of the lake. Lammens and company padded their lead with two more bullets, Liebel and crew sailed steadily to hold onto 2nd place, and Lake Champlain’s Ray Harrington moved up into 3rd.

That evening the beat-up competitors were treated to a southern-style smoked barbeque feast, with roast chicken, pulled pork and all the trimmings, and then retired to the HYC bar for the Detroit-Pittsburg playoff game and some live music provided by the Hudson Yacht Club Lonely Heart’s Club Band, featuring Paul Laflamme and Scott Lawrence, two local members of the Etchells fleet. A highlight had to be Kent Paisley’s impromptu tambourine and vocal stylings later in the evening.

On Sunday the winds came out of the west at 8-10 knots and the fleet got off its two final races. All boats were off the water by 1:30 and out of the harbour by 2:45. At the end of it all, Lammens, Kneulman and Clark prevailed, followed by the Liebel and Harrington teams.

Over the three days the racing was excellent with square lines, fair courses and a tightly bunched group of competitors. Thanks must go out to the RC, headed up by HYC’s Ross Tellier, and to all of the sponsors, including Tenaquip, Ontario Yachts, La Diable, Quantum, the International Etchells Canadian Association, Etchells Fleet 3 Montreal and the Hudson Yacht Club.

The next major event on our schedule is the North Americans on September 15-19 at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto. We look forward to seeing you there.

Additional phots from the event taken by Robert Steiner can be seen at http://steinerfoto.zenfolio.com/

Re-sail of HYC Wed A4 - Monday June 22

With the wind fading last night and many boats drifting wherever the current took them, the races were abandoned. Our normal plan under these circumstances would be to re-sail the race for the HYC Wed series on the next available Monday evening.

However, the situation is currently under review following requests for redress lodged by members of the PHRF1A and PHRF1B/2 fleets. A hearing is being scheduled following the racing next Wednesday June 18, and will be held at CVMO in Oka.

Therefore, the races for HYC Wed A4 will be re-sailed on Monday 22 June. PHRF3 will definitely participate; PHRF1A and PHRF1B/2 will dependent on the outcome of the redress hearing. The 1st warning signal will be at 19:00.

We will keep you updated on developments as they occur.

The Halcro Challenge Cup - Sunday June 14

Annual Commodore vs. Vice Commodore Race

For those of you not familiar with the history of the prestigious event, attached is a brief outline of the proceedings and a copy of the deed of gift.

The warning signal will be hoisted immediately following the SailPast and all craft will start at the same time.
Skippers are asked to register at the Clubhouse prior to the SailPast.
Members of the Commodore’s fleet will attach a red ribbon to the outboard end of their booms or their backstays.
An appropriate starting line will be set by the HY-SEAS III and the course will be posted aboard.
The team with the lowest total wins.



DEED OF GIFT

Not to be defaced and not to be
taken away without permission.
The Cup that is – not the Commodore!

“This notable and honorable Cup has a history with this community in as much as it has been through the millpond.
It was originally won by one of the first armchair Admirals, Capt.Orclah N. Sicnarf, who tonight offers it as a token of his appreciation for many Charlie Sea Horses which he has suffered whilst taking part in past regattas of this club.
It should be noted here that in past decades (more or less-more races lost and less races won) the donor received honorable mention for taking said Cup when he ought not to have done so.
It was like this: His noted Punt was manned by seven stalwart sailors, Captain Sicnarf at the helm. As the crew had no sailing experience they used paddles stolen from various canoes and other craft. There were other sailing Punts without sails manned with broken oars and pieces of flat wood, but through some mighty manoeuvre Sicnarf’s craft forged ahead, crossing the finish line so far in advance of the other craft that the roof of the old Club House became warped from the noise of the applause raised by those who witnessed the great feet (-this word is purposely used in commemoration of the unusually large feet of old Sicnarf, who used them (unknown to any other person in the world) to propel his boat, except the donor of this Cup. Also unknown to any other person; the Old Captain had attached buckets to the bottom of his competitors boats and thus curtailed greatly the speed of their boats, this, of course was absolutely in order because there were no rules observed in yacht racing in those days and so Captain Orclah N. Sicnarf always won”

Hence forth a tradition, despite the adoption of the RRS, was borne that the Vice Commodores Team wins the Trophy each year. The Trophy, in all its glory, is displayed in the Queen’s Room above the kitchen door.

Adult Sailing Lessons

Do you know of any friends or family interested in learning how to sail? Then HYC has just the course. This course introduces the novice, or new sailor with limited experience, to the exciting sport of sailing. Our CYA-certified instructors will provide weekly instruction, on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The session dates are June 30, July 7, 14, 21, 28 and August 4.

Member fee is $200.00 per person, non-member fee is $240.00 per person (if space available), plus applicable taxes.
The registration form can be at:
http://hudsonyachtclub.com/Reg.FormAdultSailing2009.pdf
Sign up soon, the session fills quickly!!

Recruit Your Crew for the Corporate Challenge

Scheduled for Tuesday 16 June, the HYC Corporate Challenge is your opportunity to share your racing passion with your colleagues, as well as showing the other companies what you're made of. Start recruiting a crew from your workplace today.

The Corporate Challenge will be held in conjunction with the normal white sail races, with teams sailing within their respective classes. The warning signal for the first race will be at 19:00. Participants in the Corporate Challenge should display a white ribbon from their backstay and notify the Race Committee prior to the start. Prizes will be awarded in the bar following racing to the winning team in each class.

Past Participants

Robert Marsi, Sherlock, YourPCtechie (winner 2008)
Ryan Beck, Ondine, CN Worldwide
Chris Campbell, Shigawac, Guarantee Co of NA
Louis Levesque, Hi Time, OFSA
Jean-Luc Gosselin, Will O'Wind, Atlas Copco
Cyrille Vittecoq, Varmint, CDP Private Equity
Bernard le Duc, Maverick, Bell Canada
Jenny Marten, Good News, Concordia U
Alfred Schmidt, Mahng, Bell Helicopter
Dave Cobbett, High Strung, 3Macs
Chris Poulter, White Satin, HYC
Gary White, Crazy Colt, Aspect
Lee Grant, Peacemaker, Standard Mechanical

Sign Up by sending an e-mail to sailing@hudsonyachtclub.com

Action at the Spring Regatta

Strong winds made for exciting and competitive sailing during the Spring Regatta. Congratulations to the fleet winners Slim (Alan Gray), Jazz (Ron Harris) (pictured here) and Knot a Clew (Mike Laventure).

We were fortunate to have Luka Bartulovic, an up-and-coming sailing photographer, on board Hyseas. For more great white-knuckle shots, follow the link http://kalu.ca/Events/HYC%20Spring%20Series/HYC%20Spring/HYC%20Spring.html

Many thanks to Jean-Luc Gosselin for organising the event and running RC with his crew.

Club Commissioning

HUDSON YACHT CLUB

CLUB COMMISSIONING
AND
ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE FLEET

Sunday, June 14th, 2009


The Board of Directors invites all members to participate in the Annual SailPast and the HALCRO CHALLENGE CUP Commodore Vs. Vice Commodore Race.

13:00 CLUB COMMISSIONING

Assembly at Flagstaff

· Commodore's Call To Order
· Commodore's Address
· Recognition Of Past Commodores In Attendance
· Introduction Of Directors
· Presentation Of Flag Officers' Pennants
· Raising of Flag
· Briefing Of SailPast and Commodore/Vice Commodore Race

14:00 SAILPAST

The Annual SailPast is one of Hudson Yacht Club’s most important traditions. The SailPast affords us an opportunity to display the strength and vitality of our Club. It also gives us a chance to pay our respects to the Commodore, and by association, to the many members who contribute to the success of the Club. All owners should ensure that their vessels take part in this review of the fleet. Members and their families are heartily encouraged to participate.

DISPERSAL

After clearing the saluting area, each participant will keep clear of the area until the review is completed and prepare to participate or watch the Halcro Challenge Cup Race.

DRESS

There will be a contest for “Best Dressed Crew” in both sail and power categories. So bring out your friends and relatives dressed to the nines and try to win a bottle of bubbly. It will be served to the winners upon their return to the harbour.

Lake of Two Mountains Championship starts Wednesday

Wednesday June 3 will be the first of 5 races in the reborn Lake of Two Mountains Championships for boats from HYC, CVL, CNDM and CVNO. Historically this has been a very popular series and we are fortunate that, in our centennial year, there is renewed interest in promoting competition between clubs on the whole lake.
The races will be run past Quarry Point off Oka and will also count for the HYC Wednesday series as well as the Club Championships.
As usual, first gun is at 7pm.

“Barging” on the Start line - Don't do it

Dave Cobbett forwarded this intersting article by Greg Chisholm, with diagrams by Paul Pascoe from Yachting Victoria

Barging at the start line is a very poor strategy, it is unprofessional and is totally illegal.

What is “barging”

Barging is approaching the starting line from a point to windward of the lay-line of the starboard or committee boat end of the line.
In the diagram, the blue and red boats are on the layline to the committee boat. The green and yellow boats are windward boats and are required to keep clear.

What is wrong with “barging”

In order to sail through the start line the barging yacht must sail at less than close hauled. Any yachts with an overlap to leeward (i. e. forward of a line projecting to leeward from the transom, hence nearly all the fleet) have right of way and can push the barging boat to windward. This will cause the barging boat have to sail to windward of the windward end of the start line and miss the start. That can be extremely dangerous if there is no barging buoy.

Note the overlapped boat can push the barging boat as high as head to wind, as long as enough room and opportunity is given. The barging boat has to respond immediately.

If you are thinking of barging - don’t

As you will put yourself in an indefensible position. At best, you may find a hole on the second or third row, at worst, you will be pushed to windward of the start-line and miss the start completely.

Read the full article at

http://www.vic.yachting.org.au/default.asp?Page=1701&MenuID=YV+Committees%2F13186%2F0%2CRacing+Rules%2F1027%2F0%2CArticles%2F1068%2F0%2F