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Transpac and PAC Cup races

Currently underway is the Transpac Yacht Race which starts in California and finishes in Hawaii, a race of more than 2000 nautical miles. It is run every 2 years and in the years in-between the PAC Yacht Club holds the Pacific Cup, also known as the “Fun race to Hawaii”.

3 Years ago, the then Commodore, Lindsay Gilbert took part in this epic journey and graciously wrote an account of his experience. Unfortunately this was never published, until now.

Many thanks to Lindsay for taking the time to write this piece. I really enjoyed reading this and hope all our friends do too.

2016 PAC Cup Race – Lindsay Gilbert

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Winter Series – Day 2

The second race day for this years Winter Series is scheduled for Sunday. First warning signal is due at 12:00. All off-the-beach boats are welcome.

If you are wanting to get out on the water but not necessarily race, these events would be suitable as we have a rescue boat on the water. Just sign on and discuss your intentions with the crew.

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Winter Series – Day 1

A lovely day on the water yesterday, although a little cool. The first event of the Winter Series was held and the Race Officers conducted 3 shorter length races providing good practise of starts and mark roundings among other boats.

Prior to setting out onto the water, the crews abandoned the club for a short while to help assist a member to move his boat under construction. We are all looking forward to the Christening!

On the race course, the breeze started SSW and moved throughout the day to SE. With the SSW winds coming off the shore there were variations in strength and direction. In race 1, Relience 17 and SNAffU were declared a dead heat, too close for the race officers to declare a difference. Race 2 was again closely fought between these 2 crews, but Race 3, Relience 17 had the upper hand from the starting hooter.

Next race day is day 2 of the Winter Series, July 7.

Results can be found on the Events page, or by clicking here.

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2018/19 Season finale

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Sailing season’s final event

THIS IS IT!! The final event of the season! While all other trophies have been decided, there are still 2 major awards to be competed for in this last race day of the season – The Club Championship and the Aggregate Points Trophy.

First warning signal is scheduled for 1200. After racing there will be a social presentation of trophies for the entire season of events held in the clubhouse in the typical low-key SYC style (blue blazers and black tie optional).

As usual, if you would like to get out on the water and need some assistance in finding a boat, crew or would like to get out on the water with the Race officers, please let us know and we will endeavour to find you a spot. Also, if you will be attending the presentation after racing, could you please RSVP so that we can cater for you.

Thanks and see you Sunday!

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Beautiful day for the Bramble Bay Shield

Yesterday’s racing for the Bramble Bay Shield was conducted in light conditions that showcased the beauty of Moreton Bay.

Race 1 was started at 11:00 and conditions were around 5kts from the NE with the wind oscillating about 10 degrees. Patrick Kills Oysters got away from the fleet, but there were some close mark rounding amongst the Flying Fifteens behind them. Race 2 had a slight increase in breeze throughout the race building to about 8 knots. Again with oscillations in the breeze, teams started to try using these shifts as well as the increase in tidal flow for tactical advantage.

A beautiful day on the water and a reminder that Winter is not far away. Full results can be found by clicking here.

Next event is the Ted Rice Shield on the 12th May. This is event will be followed by the club’s AGM.

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Bramble Bay Shield

Racing for the Bramble Bay Shield is on this coming Sunday. First warning signal is scheduled for 11:00, not 12:00 as previously stated. This is to coordinate with a high tide of 10:36 and to allow retrieving boats up the ramp while still having a reasonable amount of water.

Conditions are currently predicted to be light from the East.

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King of Bramble Bay Regatta news and results

Thanks to all those competitors that took part in the King of Bramble Bay Regatta this past weekend. A special thank you for all the boats and crews that travelled from afar. Saturday was a beautiful day with light conditions, warm and humid. Perfect for sailing in wetsuits! Sunday was another beautiful day with a little more breeze.

For something different, the RO started the boats at the Shorncliffe Jetty and it was great to see members of the public watching on from the Jetty and the shore. The course set was from the Jetty, to Otter Rock off Woody Point, then aaaallllllll the way back to Schultz’s Canal near the Airport and Nudgee Beach. The final legs were to Fisheries beacon then to the finish off the Jetty once again. A long race, but there was no time to relax with the breeze oscillating about 10 degrees and the occasional shift and variations in breeze strength.

Refreshments were available at the clubhouse after racing and thanks to Sue, Michelle and Lindsay for organising and providing the BBQ and snacks and Graeme for opening and manning the bar.

Results for the event can be found by clicking here. Congratulations to Earle and Rasmus for winning the Regatta and also to Chris and Ian Gregg for providing solid competition, placing as runners up. Earle again had time after packing up to spend talking to other competitors to provide insights and tips for improvement. Thank you Earle and we hop to see you again soon. Chris Gregg helmed Team Primate to be runners up in the regatta, winning the second race on Saturday in the process. We hope to see Chris again and are excited to watch his future in sailing develop.

Next event at SYC is the Ted Rice Shield 12 May. Hope to see you then.

Photos:
505 class winner and Overall King of Bramble Bay – Earle Alexander and Rasmus Goerge
Flying Fifteen class winner – Greg and Laurie Williamson.
Photos courtesy and thanks to Paul Young.

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Summer Series Race report

An absolutely CRACKING days sailing on Sunday at SYC. 7 boats on the water and good to see some familiar faces returning after some time away.

The conditions were spectacular. Starting with lighter and smoother conditions in the first race and finishing the 3rd race with winds approaching 15kts.

Results of these races are being held under lock and key until the trophy presentation.

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Sailing Sunday

Considering the current forecasts from BOM and other outlets, all events at SYC this weekend have been CANCELLED.

A few members have been down to the club to secure their boats and any loose items and we encourage you all to do the same as soon as possible.

Please stay safe and don’t take any risks.

SYC management team.

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Verdon Shield results

Beautiful conditions yesterday for the Verdon Shield racing. There were some stronger and lighter breezes in places as well as some wind shifts to keep the crews on their toes. Relience 17 managed to again take out the win with 2 race wins from 2 starts.

Full results can be found on the Events page on the Events page, or by clicking here.

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Verdon Shield


This coming Sunday 13th January Sandgate Yacht Club will be hosting staging the Verdon Shield, a Handicap event based on VYC Yardstick. The weather forecast is looking magnificent with a 10-12 kt SE’ly breeze and a high tide of 2.1m at 1:58pm.

All boats welcome and remember, we have a club Flying Fifteen available to sail.

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A late update of last weekends events. Saturday SYC ran the Great Queensland Race which saw 5 crews take on the short racing series for Trailer Sailers. 6 short course races were run and Peow Peow won all 6 races. A great effort.

Sunday were races 3 and 4 of the Club Championship. 6 boats including a 505 and Sharpie participated. In the first race, Relience 17 were called OCS and returned to restart. SNAffU won the race on handicap with the gap to Relience 17 remaining constant throughout. Race 2 saw a clean start and Relience 17 controlled the Flying Fifteen fleet from the front. The 505 and Sharpie were having a blast on the reaching legs with the moderate breeze and surfing conditions.

All the results can be found on the Events page, or by clicking here.

Next event on the calendar is the Christmas Fun Race and BBQ 23 December.

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Summer Series – Races 3 and 4

Sundays racing saw 6 boats make their way out to the race course in conditions that were building from a light breeze to what ended up being gusts to 20 knots from the NE.

Race 1 had 5 starters but only 3 finishers with the Lightweight Sharpie retiring before the start with problems. Both 3710 SNAffU and 3572 Relience 17 elected to use the new style jibs and both met at the top mark together ahead of the fleet with nothing but a layer of gel coat to separate them. After the excitement of the first mark rounding behind them, SNAffU lead for the remainder of the race, closely pursued by 3257 Think Big. Think Big declared the victor on corrected time, Relience 17 a retirement.

By the start of race 2, the breeze was solid with strong gusts, but underneath the dark clouds was softer breeze. Only 3 boats started this race, 2 finishing with Stirfry withdrawing on the second lap. SNAffU declared the winner on CT and Think Big 2nd.

Next race day is 9th December. If you want to get involved on or off the water, please reach out. We have a club boat available to sail and positions on the Race Officers boat.

Results can be found on the Events page, or by clicking here.

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Summer Series Day 2


Racing again this coming Sunday. First warning signal is scheduled for 1200 hrs. If conditions are suitable, the race officers will try to fit in another race to make up for the abandoned races from 14 October.

Hope to see you there. Remember, we have a club boat available to sail and if you are a skipper looking for crew, or crew looking for a skipper, please let us know and we can put you in contact with someone.

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Social sailing

This Sunday 11th is not a scheduled race day, but there will be a number of members taking boats out for a bit fun and training. Members are requested to assist mowing the grass in the hardstand area before sailing from 8am.

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Club Championship – Races 1 and 2

The first 2 races of this years Club Championship have been run. The weather forecast predicting a strong change kept a few boats away, but 3 boats started both races and experienced a variety of conditions.

For the sail out of the creek the competitors were battling the last of the tide and a light and shifty SE breeze. Once out of the creek the breeze had increased a little and by the time the first race got underway, the breeze had settled in ESE. There were many close passes on the windward legs and a few overtaking manoeuvres on the reaching legs. Micky Occhi Blue edging out SNAffU with Ghost Magic close being in third place.

Race 2 the forecast change was starting to push through. The shifts were very small now and increased wind strength meant the crews had to work harder. Through the race the breeze kicked again and turned to the right. Micky Occhi Blue 1st over the line, narrowly beating SNAffU and Ghost Magic DNF.

An exciting days racing with no damage reported. Thanks again to the volunteers giving up their time to prepare and run the events – Dobo, Mumbles, Tom, Liam and Bill. The next racing events, Summer Series races 3 and 4, are not until November 25. There are a few boats looking to go for a social/training sail on November 11. If you would like to join in, please make contact.

Results can be found on the Events page, or by clicking here.

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Club Championship 2018/19

Sandgate Yacht Club’s first heats of the Club Championships for 2018/19 are to be run this Sunday 28th October. Warning signal at 1200hrs to take advantage of the 2.31m high tide at 1137hrs. This is an all boat fleet an all classes are welcome. There is a club boat available to sail also.

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SYC will be hosting the 505 State Titles on both Saturday and Sunday in conjunction with our club races on Sunday. Racing for the 505 State Championships commences Saturday at 1230hrs and continues Sunday with a separate start to our usual All-Boat Fleet for races 1 and 2 of the Summer Series at 1200hrs.
High tide is predicted 2.03m at 1246hrs.
Presentation for the 505’s will take place upstairs in the Clubhouse after racing concludes on Sunday. All welcome.

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Merv Anderson Sprints Series results.

Merv Anderson Sprints Series results.

On Sunday in variable breeze, 6 crews sailed out to the race course to compete in this years Merv Anderson Sprint Series. By the time the crews had arrived at the starting area a SE’ly change had arrived. The RO waited for a short period for the breeze settle before a the first race was started on a SE course of 130. The breeze built from 15kts over the day to have the boats competing winds gusting to 25kts in the last race.

The 1 lap W/L courses were a little longer than in previous years and the RO managed to complete 4 races before conditions looked to be getting a little unsafe.

The sprint series is run as a handicap event and the handicaps used were the handicaps given after the completion of the previous handicap event, the Winter Series.  Results can be found on the Events page, or by clicking here.

The next event on the SYC calendar is the first race of the Summer Series on 14 October.

Good Luck to SYC members competing in the Flying Fifteen International – Queensland State Championships being held over the long weekend 29 September – 1 October.

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Winter Series racing completed

The final days racing in this years Winter Series was held on Sunday in blustering conditions.

7 boats were on the start line including an OK Dinghy and a Lightweight Sharpie plus 5 Flying fifteens. The breeze was piping in from the WSW at 12-18kts. Being from the west, the breeze varied in strength and in direction and there were surprises from time to time across the race course. The water was flat with very little swell to bash through upwind and surf downwind.

Results are posted on the Events page. Series Results will be posted later, but the boat that has taken out the Winter Series Championship finished every race of the series and finished with an average score of 2.2 points per race! Well done.

The 2018-19 season begins on September 2nd with the Opening Day and Blessing of the Fleet, where a race will also be run.

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Final Winter Series race day.

After a month without any racing, tomorrow SYC are running this years 5th and final race day in the Winter Series. The weather looks like providing good breezes and smooth sea state.

The Club Flying Fifteen is available to use and there is crew places available on other boats. If you would like to take one of these opportunities, please make contact.

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Winter Series – Day 4 racing


After Day 3’s racing was abandoned due to a complete lack of any wind, the crews were nervous as to whether there would be any racing today. While rigging the boats the wind was patchy south-westerly and not helping to ease the tension. 4 crews set out to the race area, being towed some of the way by the Race Officials vessels. After a short delay racing began with a light SE breeze and the following 3 races in a comfortable easterly breeze.

The club was visited today by Graham from Poole in the UK. Graham sails Flying Fifteens at Poole and ably assisted the Race Officers. Thank you for you assistance today, safe travels home and we hope to see you again soon.

Many thanks to the Race Officers for setting the courses and conducting the starts. Results from today’s racing can be found on the Events page.

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Winter Series day 2 wrap-up

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Winter Series – Day 2

This coming Sunday, the second race day of the Winter Series is being run. First warning signal is scheduled for 1100 (not 1200! and you WILL need sails!!).

After racing the club’s AGM will be conducted upstairs in the clubhouse. In keeping with club tradition, members not in attendance will automatically be nominated for positions.

To finish the day on a high, presentation of results and trophies of the past sailing season will take place.

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Winter Series – Day 1

Sunday the first Winter Series event was held and it was a beautiful day and the water was clear and not too cold.

The start crew elected to delay the start due to some members being late AND forgetting their sails!

Only 3 boats were able to make it to the start line due to travel commitments and injuries – once underway the boat crews were challenged with oscillating variable strength winds from the SW. In the first race, Saffron picked up a great breeze on the left hand side of the course which placed them well and managed to finish closely behind the Sharpie, Patrick Kills Oysters.

Races 2 and 3 were managed well from start to finish by PKO with SNAffU not able to get a lane past them.

Race 4 was nearly won on the first lap by SNAffU….. luckily they realised the race was not over yet and managed to stay in pressure and finish well ahead of PKO to get the line honours victory.

Results are posted on the Events page.

The next chance to participate in the fun is June 17 – Winter Series day 2 which includes the trophy presentation for the 2017-2018 sailing season.

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Winter Series Racing

Sandgate Yacht Club’s winter series for all boats starts this Sunday 3rd June at 1100hrs. This is the first race of a five-race series.

If you are looking for a position on a boat, or you are looking for someone to sail with, please let us know and we can put you in contact with the appropriate people.

See you Sunday!