4192 replies to this topic

[kelly]

Got copied this race summary from our 74 year old skipper of Bob Sled today, thought that a few of you might enjoy but also gain some encouragement to join what is really a great race , next year. Bob is getting near the end of his sailing career, only another 10 years left, but I have never seen anyone so pumped the day after the race as he packed his Spider 22 to head back to Noosa . He has got another 2 day regatta in a couple of weeks , is already planning next years Bay to Bay and wants to return to finisht the HCW next year... Some people just get old , others never... I just hope we can all emulate such courage and enthusiasm for what is a great sport.

Bob's comments...

Heaven can wait 24 hour yacht race Lake Maquarie NSW REPORT.
I would like to thank those people who supported Bobsled with very generous donations to the Cancer fund. I did not realise the good work these people are doing. Womens cancer is the largest fund in the country, with almost zilch being raised for Mens cancer reserch. Not only is the money used for reserch, but also used to support sufferers with advice and financial help, accomodation etc as many people are from remote areas where there are no facilities.
The course would have to be the best on world standard, 29 N Miles, with deep arms in different directions , giving all aspects of sailing, almost equally, Beats, footing off, shy to broad reaching, running. Plenty of tacking and jibing. Headlands with wind shadow, hills that cause funnelling strong winds, you name it and it has it.
The race started 11am Saturday with 20 boats in the 24 hour devision and a lot in the 1 lap dash. 5 to 15K perfect condittions, reaching start on port. We raced the 1st lap with Bakers Dough a MK2 Spider a little better boat than my MK 1 and a Thompson sports boat . Would have to be the best sail I have ever had, after 4 hours the 2 other boats rounded 2 to 3 min in front so we were well in the money on handicap. There is no tide and was surprised at our average speed being around 7K. 1 hour later we had to go to the end of an arm to round and the 2 boats in front started to do strange tacks near to mark and we were closing, they finally rounded, set their kites and off. We neared the mark and glassed out, and was the end of our race hopes as lost 0.5 hour to the others waiting for wind. Such is sailing.
The sky was dark with distant lightning, lots of wind shifts, light showers, wind fronts gusts to no wind, we managed to have 0.5 hours bunk time each, were still sailing well in 20K squals with our no1 rig, and using the no1 assey with all hands on rail after 10pm. At midnight the rain was increasing, we had planed to get behind a headland and put the no2 main up, but forecast was 15 to 20 to race finnish aso stayed with no 1 rig. ( dopes )
It was a little uncomfortable being wet and cold, no bloody terrible, and at 4am, 5am their time. while rounding a mark we were hit by a southerly front with now teeming rain ( had been N/W all race) that had to be 30K , off we went on a reach with the boat out the water planing at a speed one seldom experiences. We were closing to the top of the lake and we had 3 options with the long beat back before we could get off the wind, drop the jib, or go behind the headland ,try to find shelter and change main, scary or retire.
When you consider our ages 60/65/74 and still 6 hours to go, we had given it our best shot, we pulled out at 5.30am sailed to headland near our accomodation, the outboard ran for 1min and expired with moisture, worked our way close to shore, dropped the pick and crashed on the bunks wet, cold, and imediately sleept.
We were very disapointed not to have finnished for ourselves and supporters and felt this race was one not to even think about doing again. The race started 6 years ago, the 1st 2 years were great, the last 4 terrible.
Two days later, I have changed my mind, this is a race that should be on everyones bucket list, the weather was the problem not the race. It was an easy 1 day drive home for me Tuesday, next year, if I am able, I will have the boat ready to go, make sure the forecast is ok and if so go down on the Friday.

Thanks to all Bob Mc Camley.0

[Phil]

The RO for the last two years and the RO for the two before that, both competed in the first two HCWs.

Given the weather recent times, we may resurrect our sailing lives and compete again.

Watch this space...anyone got a boat to lend us?

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

The RO for the last two years and the RO for the two before that, both competed in the first two HCWs.

Given the weather recent times, we may resurrect our sailing lives and compete again.

Watch this space...anyone got a boat to lend us?

Phil,
It's a two part deal for me, and both parts are equally important:

1. I need to feel very comfortable that we are leaving the HCW race management situation in very good hands before I can commit to sailing it again, but it's a big goal of mine. The good news is that the event structure is getting better and better each year, so if we can find a couple of eager race officer types who have some experience, the plan would be to be able to turn the race management keys over to them. The playbook on how to set the course, run the start and manage the skeds and VHF communications is mostly set, and we're already having follow up Skype meetings this week to continue the "lessons learned" process and start planning for 2012. I expect that we'll have a preliminary NOR published VERY soon, so that everyone can get the 2012 HCW date locked into their calendar much earlier.

2. I'd truly love to be competing in the race again, and unless my MS fatigue goes off the charts (an unfortunate, and very real possibility) I really want to do the full 24 hour race. That's where the biggest challenges and biggest satisfaction have come for me! As you say, one big key is finding the right boat.

Some dream qualifications for a HCW 24 hour boat:
Fast enough to compete for line honors.
Slow enough to rate out well for handicap honors.
Comfortable enough to have bunks a step better than the bare floor of an Adams 10.
Comes equipped with a proper depth sounder that isn't also a keel.
Comes equipped with a local Aussie translator who understands that a "brace" is actually a "guy" and doesn't get me all confused when I'm flying the chute.

Eiher way, I'm putting aside money each month starting now to save up for my airline flight back Down Under next September!

From the 2007 HCW race on Brigitta, back in the days when I was still a part-time sailor (photo by Helen):
 Brigitta 2007b.jpg   152.23K   5 downloads

[frayedsheet]

The RO for the last two years and the RO for the two before that, both competed in the first two HCWs.

Given the weather recent times, we may resurrect our sailing lives and compete again.

Watch this space...anyone got a boat to lend us?

Phil,
It's a two part deal for me, and both parts are equally important:

1. I need to feel very comfortable that we are leaving the HCW race management situation in very good hands before I can commit to sailing it again, but it's a big goal of mine. The good news is that the event structure is getting better and better each year, so if we can find a couple of eager race officer types who have some experience, the plan would be to be able to turn the race management keys over to them. The playbook on how to set the course, run the start and manage the skeds and VHF communications is mostly set, and we're already having follow up Skype meetings this week to continue the "lessons learned" process and start planning for 2012. I expect that we'll have a preliminary NOR published VERY soon, so that everyone can get the 2012 HCW date locked into their calendar much earlier.

2. I'd truly love to be competing in the race again, and unless my MS fatigue goes off the charts (an unfortunate, and very real possibility) I really want to do the full 24 hour race. That's where the biggest challenges and biggest satisfaction have come for me! As you say, one big key is finding the right boat.

Some dream qualifications for a HCW 24 hour boat:
Fast enough to compete for line honors.
Slow enough to rate out well for handicap honors.
Comfortable enough to have bunks a step better than the bare floor of an Adams 10.
Comes equipped with a proper depth sounder that isn't also a keel.
Comes equipped with a local Aussie translator who understands that a "brace" is actually a "guy" and doesn't get me all confused when I'm flying the chute.

Eiher way, I'm putting aside money each month starting now to save up for my airline flight back Down Under next September!

From the 2007 HCW race on Brigitta, back in the days when I was still a part-time sailor (photo by Helen):
 Brigitta 2007b.jpg   152.23K   5 downloads

Still reckon a 12 hour "dash" would encourage some sporty types that don't have bunks or even a bare floor to sleep on.

11am to 11pm sounds good to me...

[Try Flying]

I'd like to see something like that too, as its a good stepping stone for those that aren't confident to step up to the full 24. However I can see a couple of issues that would need to be resolved first:

It would still rate as a Cat5N so you would need an exemption to some of the rules about cabin space etc but all the other safety gear, radios etc would still need to apply. (whether YA or the insurance would be cool with that is another hurdle)

You would want to insist that the nav lights were of a suitable lumen output not just dodgey emergency ones. (this is one of my personal pet peeves given how cheap LED ones are I think the HCW should ban crappy dull older ones)

The 12 hr boys could still not get to bed before say 3 am as you might be at the bottom of the lake when the clock struck 23:00

At least 2 if not 3 more people to help with the race management of that fleet onshore.

You might need to impose a weather limit on entrants ie if its going to hit 30knots after dark then I'd say its pushing your luck safety wise on an open boat if its not equiped with an outboard, anchor and somewhere to get out of the weather. I guess it just depends on how "sporty" you are talking about... ie I wouldn't want to try and find a capsised/ damaged moth or skiff crew down in the pitch black south of Pulbah.

So I guess if you or someone is serious about the idea and can put together a plan (and resources) to maintain the high safety standard the HCW has held dear since day one then I'd suggest approaching the principles in the HCW committee with a proposal.

On the surface sounds like a great idea but the devil would be in the details.

Cheers

[frayedsheet]

I'd like to see something like that too, as its a good stepping stone for those that aren't confident to step up to the full 24. However I can see a couple of issues that would need to be resolved first:

It would still rate as a Cat5N so you would need an exemption to some of the rules about cabin space etc but all the other safety gear, radios etc would still need to apply. (whether YA or the insurance would be cool with that is another hurdle)

You would want to insist that the nav lights were of a suitable lumen output not just dodgey emergency ones. (this is one of my personal pet peeves given how cheap LED ones are I think the HCW should ban crappy dull older ones)

The 12 hr boys could still not get to bed before say 3 am as you might be at the bottom of the lake when the clock struck 23:00

At least 2 if not 3 more people to help with the race management of that fleet onshore.

You might need to impose a weather limit on entrants ie if its going to hit 30knots after dark then I'd say its pushing your luck safety wise on an open boat if its not equiped with an outboard, anchor and somewhere to get out of the weather. I guess it just depends on how "sporty" you are talking about... ie I wouldn't want to try and find a capsised/ damaged moth or skiff crew down in the pitch black south of Pulbah.

So I guess if you or someone is serious about the idea and can put together a plan (and resources) to maintain the high safety standard the HCW has held dear since day one then I'd suggest approaching the principles in the HCW committee with a proposal.

On the surface sounds like a great idea but the devil would be in the details.

Cheers

Was thinking Sporties as defined by ASBA; constitution states that all boats must by design be able to meet cat 5... so safety should be a non issue. They all can gear up for 5N - so no exemptions required.

[Try Flying]

[Was thinking Sporties as defined by ASBA; constitution states that all boats must by design be able to meet cat 5... so safety should be a non issue. They all can gear up for 5N - so no exemptions required.

That does make it easier. How many of the OLD guys do you think would step up for a 12hr and are there other sporties that have shunned the OLD and not interested in the 24hr?

Be great to intice more long haul sailors to the event and hopefully boast both boats entered and funds raised but as you probably are aware the active committee members that get this thing to happen every year are very thin on the ground so any added complexity to the event such as this would require a proportional increase in interested volunteers to help out with the race management onshore.

Hey I'd also like to see a cat 7 "run as many laps as you can during daylight" division (figure a fast moth could put in a couple on Sat arvo and another two Sunday morning) but the reality is how much effort would be required to manage this and then how much more profile and hence funds for the cause would you get for that expendature of effort.

But imagine how cool it would be to be able to give a 100mile trophy to a moth, skiff or fast little multi.


These kinds of ideas are great but the HCWYC does need more dedicated helpers to be able to consider doing any of this sort of stuff IMHO.

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

These kinds of ideas are great but the HCWYC does need more dedicated helpers to be able to consider doing any of this sort of stuff IMHO.

Exactamundo.

The HCWYC team is basically about 5 part-time people total (including the one with cancer who founded it, and the one who lives 9000 miles from Lake Maquarie) and none of us gets paid to do it. I hope to come back every year to either help run the race, and/or possibly to sail in it again, but even my best intentions could be shot down by personal finances, or by the potential progression of my Multiple Sclerosis.

Several of us on the HCW team had an almost two hour Skype meeting today. We came up with a hit list of (at present) 38 line items that need to be worked on as we start to prepare for the 2012 race. Some of them are easy. Some are complicated. Some may require various acts of god, and so on...

Here's one item I know for sure I could use help with: We're looking for at least two folks with race management experience to help get the race started next year. They don't need to be International ROs like Denis Thompson (although we'll happily accept your assistance, Denis!), but a couple of folks who have at least run some races or regattas, and understand how to set up and run a big fleet start. They could be from Lake Maquarie area clubs, or pulled from Sydney or Melbourne or Darwin (or San Francisco, for all I care.)

If anyone has any leads, please post here and/or send me a PM.
Thank you!

[frayedsheet]

[Was thinking Sporties as defined by ASBA; constitution states that all boats must by design be able to meet cat 5... so safety should be a non issue. They all can gear up for 5N - so no exemptions required.

That does make it easier. How many of the OLD guys do you think would step up for a 12hr and are there other sporties that have shunned the OLD and not interested in the 24hr?

My guess is that whats happening is some boats feel that travelling to the lake for a 4-5 hour race is a bit much. There are events like Marley and Bay-Bay which are distance races but don't involve trying to get a bit of sleep on your boat - these are the events that attract big trailable and sporty fleets. A 12 hour would likely add interest to a whole lot of other boats that currently dont participate. Eg, it would make a trip down from QLD a little more viable.

While im on a role - to make it more attractive to Trailables and Sporties, push back the start time to 12pm (and hence a 12 hour finish to midnight and 24 hour to 1pm). Getting the to line for an 11am start without taking Friday off is hard work.

[frayedsheet]

These kinds of ideas are great but the HCWYC does need more dedicated helpers to be able to consider doing any of this sort of stuff IMHO.

Exactamundo.

The HCWYC team is basically about 5 part-time people total (including the one with cancer who founded it, and the one who lives 9000 miles from Lake Maquarie) and none of us gets paid to do it. I hope to come back every year to either help run the race, and/or possibly to sail in it again, but even my best intentions could be shot down by personal finances, or by the potential progression of my Multiple Sclerosis.

Several of us on the HCW team had an almost two hour Skype meeting today. We came up with a hit list of (at present) 38 line items that need to be worked on as we start to prepare for the 2012 race. Some of them are easy. Some are complicated. Some may require various acts of god, and so on...

Here's one item I know for sure I could use help with: We're looking for at least two folks with race management experience to help get the race started next year. They don't need to be International ROs like Denis Thompson (although we'll happily accept your assistance, Denis!), but a couple of folks who have at least run some races or regattas, and understand how to set up and run a big fleet start. They could be from Lake Maquarie area clubs, or pulled from Sydney or Melbourne or Darwin (or San Francisco, for all I care.)

If anyone has any leads, please post here and/or send me a PM.
Thank you!

A simple letter to some of the more grassroots clubs in Sydney may yield a whole lot of RO volunteers - Balmain, Greenwich, RANSA, Amateurs, Edwards, Vaucluse.... etc, etc, etc. Given these RO types are already generous folks who gladly give up their time to let others have fun I would have thought that being involved in such a huge charity event would be right up their alley.

If relevant - post up some of your list of items - maybe you will tick some off via a few helpful Anarchists.

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

The HCW team is sending out a brief survey by email. (By brief, I mean just three or four key questions.) It's targeted not only at this year's competitor's, but also those from previous years. It can be answered by crews as well as skippers. If you haven't already received it, and are willing to take a few minutes to give us constructive feedback, please send me a PM and I'll forward your email address along so you can get in the loop!

Thanks in advance for your help!

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

It's been way too long since this thread was on page one, so it's time for the first bump of 2012.

The preliminary Notice of Race (PNOR) for the 2012 Heaven Can Wait charity yacht race has been released. Please click here to view it. The event is again planned to be held on Lake Macquarie, on September 29-30, 2012 -- the New South Wales Labour Day Long Weekend. Here's the link to it: http://www.sail-worl...W_PNOR_2012.pdf

Also... if you are on Facebook, please "like" the HCW page as well:
Heaven Can Wait - Facebook

[asdfg123]

sounds like a lot of laps to me!

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

sounds like a lot of laps to me!

The faster the individual boat(s) and the higher the wind speed, the more laps we get to take. We've seen everything from limited laps to more than some boats can keep track of (which is why every lap is tracked by each boat) over the years. That's a big part of what makes this race very unique and very special.

[Try Flying]

Asdfg123 you make it sound so boring... nothing is farther from the truth. No two laps are the same and little induvidual races break out all over the field.

One year we saw a first lap done in under 4 hours and the next one taking over 11! Add, rain, thunderstorms, 360 degree wind shifts, zero to 30 knots, fires onboard,temporary groundings, snoring, phosphorecence, sharks and boats of all sizes and speeds getting out for a great cause all creates a unique and memorable day/night out.

Ask anyone who has just done one and they tend to say ... never again!... ask them a week later and its.. hell yeah, well be back!

Its truely a challenge and one that every participant walks away from with a good deal of fatigue and a great deal of pride.

If your in Oz (or like DCMJ... a bit crazy) its the must do race for everything from sports boats to trailer yachts and bigger.

Cheers

Mark

Farrier TT720

[mattchew]

Asdfg123 you make it sound so boring... nothing is farther from the truth. No two laps are the same and little induvidual races break out all over the field.

One year we saw a first lap done in under 4 hours and the next one taking over 11! Add, rain, thunderstorms, 360 degree wind shifts, zero to 30 knots, fires onboard,temporary groundings, snoring, phosphorecence, sharks and boats of all sizes and speeds getting out for a great cause all creates a unique and memorable day/night out.

Ask anyone who has just done one and they tend to say ... never again!... ask them a week later and its.. hell yeah, well be back!

Its truely a challenge and one that every participant walks away from with a good deal of fatigue and a great deal of pride.

If your in Oz (or like DCMJ... a bit crazy) its the must do race for everything from sports boats to trailer yachts and bigger.

Cheers

Mark

Farrier TT720

Could not have said it any better, straight after the racing while we where dripping wet and frozen solid, being that we where Queenslanders, we swore we wouldn't do it again, and sure enough a week later we where planning on getting a decent place to stay for this years coming race so we could get some good sleep in... hope to see you at the end of September.

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

Asdfg123 you make it sound so boring... nothing is farther from the truth. No two laps are the same and little induvidual races break out all over the field.

One year we saw a first lap done in under 4 hours and the next one taking over 11! Add, rain, thunderstorms, 360 degree wind shifts, zero to 30 knots, fires onboard,temporary groundings, snoring, phosphorecence, sharks and boats of all sizes and speeds getting out for a great cause all creates a unique and memorable day/night out.

Ask anyone who has just done one and they tend to say ... never again!... ask them a week later and its.. hell yeah, well be back!

Its truely a challenge and one that every participant walks away from with a good deal of fatigue and a great deal of pride.

If your in Oz (or like DCMJ... a bit crazy) its the must do race for everything from sports boats to trailer yachts and bigger.

Cheers

Mark

Farrier TT720

Could not have said it any better, straight after the racing while we where dripping wet and frozen solid, being that we where Queenslanders, we swore we wouldn't do it again, and sure enough a week later we where planning on getting a decent place to stay for this years coming race so we could get some good sleep in... hope to see you at the end of September.

I'm laughing a little bit, because I felt that way exactly after completing the race in Year One, only to know 110% for certain a couple days later that I had to come back the next year. Now... seven years later, and I'm clearly still hooked!

[allpiss&wind]

Here's the latest update on the "Seventh Heaven", HCW 2012. And it's looking all good. Channel is being dredged as we speak, consensus (barring any major storms) is it will be good for 12 months plus (and there are solid plans towards a permanent solution).

Stay tuned for some more news in the next week or so.

Heaven Can Wait Charity Yacht Race - Seventh Heaven in 2012!

The Heaven Can Wait 24 hour Charity Yacht Race seventh edition is on again this year, and will be held over the September-October long weekend around the waters of Lake Macquarie north of Sydney.

Run in conjunction with the Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto, the Heaven Can Wait Yacht Race 2012 will be held on Saturday and Sunday September 29 and 30, commencing at 11 am.

As in past years the event raises funds for men’s cancer research and support programs with all monies raised through entries going to the Cancer Council of NSW plus an amount to Marine Rescue NSW.

Over the past two years the race has raised over $75,000 for these causes.

The Preliminary Notice of Race for the event has been issued, and can be viewed here.

'We are urging previous particants to tell their crew, family, friends and colleagues, as well as fellow yacht owners about this event,' said Shaun Lewicki, Commodore of the Heaven Can Wait Yacht Club, and who is a cancer survivor and Lake Macquarie sailor.

'We will publish the full Notice of Race in the next few months, and aim to have online entries open before the end of the financial year, so that those who may wish to make donations in the 2011-12 financial year are able to do so.'

Lewicki said there has also been some very encouraging news on the Swansea Channel, which joins Lake Macquarie to the ocean, and has become increasingly silted up in recent years.

'The NSW Department of Primary Industries, which is responsible for dredging and maintaining the channel, and the Boat Owners Association recently put out a joint press release (view here) promising action during 2012 for a permanent solution.

'A dredging operation for the summer of 2011-12 is currently being completed, and we believe has overcome the worst of the shallow spots for now,' he said.

The Heaven Can Wait (HCW) organising committee has offered its full support to the BOA in pushing for a long-term solution to the channel problem.'

Lewicki said the HCW YC is also encouraging participants and supporters to join the club as a way of helping build the event.

'Membership, through to July 2013, is just $50, with members having the option of joining Yachting Australia through the club if they wish.

'Membership of HCW YC helps us ensure we have much-needed funds to run this event, including covering expenses such as fuel for support boats, along with lights, buoys and ground tackle, and other costs.

To join, simply go to the Heaven Can Wait website and click on the Join HCW YC Now button, which takes prospective members to the club’s secure e-commerce site.

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

Here's the latest update on the "Seventh Heaven", HCW 2012. And it's looking all good. Channel is being dredged as we speak, consensus (barring any major storms) is it will be good for 12 months plus (and there are solid plans towards a permanent solution).

Stay tuned for some more news in the next week or so.

Heaven Can Wait Charity Yacht Race - Seventh Heaven in 2012!

The Heaven Can Wait 24 hour Charity Yacht Race seventh edition is on again this year, and will be held over the September-October long weekend around the waters of Lake Macquarie north of Sydney.

Run in conjunction with the Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto, the Heaven Can Wait Yacht Race 2012 will be held on Saturday and Sunday September 29 and 30, commencing at 11 am.

As in past years the event raises funds for men’s cancer research and support programs with all monies raised through entries going to the Cancer Council of NSW plus an amount to Marine Rescue NSW.

Over the past two years the race has raised over $75,000 for these causes.

The Preliminary Notice of Race for the event has been issued, and can be viewed here.

'We are urging previous particants to tell their crew, family, friends and colleagues, as well as fellow yacht owners about this event,' said Shaun Lewicki, Commodore of the Heaven Can Wait Yacht Club, and who is a cancer survivor and Lake Macquarie sailor.

'We will publish the full Notice of Race in the next few months, and aim to have online entries open before the end of the financial year, so that those who may wish to make donations in the 2011-12 financial year are able to do so.'

Lewicki said there has also been some very encouraging news on the Swansea Channel, which joins Lake Macquarie to the ocean, and has become increasingly silted up in recent years.

'The NSW Department of Primary Industries, which is responsible for dredging and maintaining the channel, and the Boat Owners Association recently put out a joint press release (view here) promising action during 2012 for a permanent solution.

'A dredging operation for the summer of 2011-12 is currently being completed, and we believe has overcome the worst of the shallow spots for now,' he said.

The Heaven Can Wait (HCW) organising committee has offered its full support to the BOA in pushing for a long-term solution to the channel problem.'

Lewicki said the HCW YC is also encouraging participants and supporters to join the club as a way of helping build the event.

'Membership, through to July 2013, is just $50, with members having the option of joining Yachting Australia through the club if they wish.

'Membership of HCW YC helps us ensure we have much-needed funds to run this event, including covering expenses such as fuel for support boats, along with lights, buoys and ground tackle, and other costs.

To join, simply go to the Heaven Can Wait website and click on the Join HCW YC Now button, which takes prospective members to the club’s secure e-commerce site.

I've done the 18,000 mile round trip each of the last six years. I suppose I could consider doing it again, eh?

[allpiss&wind]

Due to a number of requests, we've decided to put in a 12 hour option for this year's race. Below is the release we've just put out

12-hour Heaven Can Wait option announced: Calling all sports boats, trailerables (and anyone else who’s not up for the full 24 hours)

Organisers of the annual Heaven Can Wait charity yacht race on Lake Macquarie have announced an additional event – a 12-hour race around the lake, designed to appeal to sports boats, trailerables, trailer-sailers, and anyone who doesn't feel up to a full 24-hour race, or wants more of a challenge than the daylight-only One Lap Dash.

Run in conjunction with the Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto, the 2012 Heaven Can Wait race will be held on September 29-30, commencing at 11 am.

As in past years, it raises funds for men’s cancer research and support programs, with all monies raised through entries going to the Cancer Council of NSW, plus an amount to Marine Rescue NSW.

Over the past two years, the race has raised over $75,000 for these causes.

This year will see the event offer three options:
1. The full 24 hour race from 11 am on September 29 to 11 am on September 20
2. The One Lap Dash around the entire course, and also starting at 11 am on September 29, and finishing back at Royal Motor Yacht Club Toronto during the afternoon
3. The new 12 hour race, starting at 11 am on September 29, and finishing at 11 pm that night.

As with the 24-hour race, the 12-hour race is a “distance over time” event, with competitors logging their positions using their on-board GPS as of 11 pm, and reporting it to the race committee.

Both the 24-hour and 12-hour races will require boats to comply with YA Cat 5N safety standards, while the One Lap Dash is a Cat 7 event.

Competitors will be able to enter into all three events, just a single event, or any combination of them.

Heaven Can Wait Yacht Club commodore Shaun Lewicki said the decision to offer a 12-hour option was for a number of reasons.

“We have been asked to offer a 12 hour option by a number of previous competitors, as well as potential competitors, who wanted something more challenging than the One Lap Dash, but did not have a suitable boat to do the full 24 hour race in reasonable comfort.

“We also thought it provides a good option for those who have done the One Lap Dash, but would like to step up to a day/night race.

“And because the 12-hour race finishes by 11 pm, boats can be back at Toronto by around midnight – or stop and anchor close to where they finish – so there are none of the fatigue-management issues associated with the 24 hour race.

“We anticipate that by offering a 12-hour option, we will see a significant increase in the number of boats participating in this year’s and future Heaven Can Wait races,” Lewicki said.

For more information on the Heaven Can Wait Charity Yacht Race, please visit the event’s website at www.heavencanwait.com.au.

And here's the revised preliminary NOR:
 HCW_PNOR_2012_24-12-Hr_OLD.pdf   123.38K   5 downloads

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

Just a reminder.... this long running Heaven Can Wait event forum thread is tied directly to another very special thread here on SA, .
This is why we do this race:

http://forums.sailin...c=22853&st=2864

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

 HCWcourseMap.jpg   269.48K   28 downloads

Not for use in Navigation (LOL), and the mark positions shown here are just approximate... but it should give you an idea of the unique course.

29 miles for one lap around the course, including 7 marks, one big island, lots of bays and points, various random hazards to navigation, and incredible sailing memories you won't soon (if ever) forget.

This year for the first time, you have three race options to choose from:
1. One Lap Dash (finish during daylight hours)
2. 12 Hour (finish at 11pm)
3. HCW 24 Hour race. All the bells and whistles, plus glory and more.

PS: Everyone starts together, so if your boat is certified for category 5N, you can also choose to sail in all three divisions!

More than a few have told me that they plan on sailing this year in honor of Catherine (mainsheetgirl)

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

Before I forget.. we will be adding a small (but important) project that will coincide with this year's race. I'll be bringing the now infamous traveling copy of the 2012 "Women of Sailing Anarchy" calendar with me to Oz. This project was done as a benefit for Catherine (mainsheetgirl). She dreamed of participating in the HCW, but unfortunately we will all have to sail for her instead this year. It already has a ton of signitures from US sailors, and I'd love to get every SA member who will be at the HCW to add their own personal contribution to it. I'm sure Shaun will get an honored spot in it as well.

If you are not able to sail in the race (I can't image why that could happen?) but can get to Toronto, please do so.

Speaking of which... every year I hear of people who couldn't quite get a boat together, or had a boat, and couldn't sort out a crew, or who need extra crew. It's not too early to start posting right here in this thread if you are throwing your name into the hat as being interested in sailing, or if your boat is looking for crew. This is how I did it 7 years ago from 9000 miles away. You can do it too.

Cheers

[frayedsheet]

This year for the first time, you have three race options to choose from:
1. One Lap Dash (finish during daylight hours)
2. 12 Hour (finish at 11pm)
3. HCW 24 Hour race. All the bells and whistles, plus glory and more.

PS: Everyone starts together, so if your boat is certified for category 5N, you can also choose to sail in all three divisions!

More than a few have told me that they plan on sailing this year in honor of Catherine (mainsheetgirl)

Sorry... i can't resist ;-)

how about a 12hour version? would be nice for those of us that lack any form of downstairs accommodation, oven, bbq, toilet... but would still make the trip up worthwhile... sportsboat division... sms... hmmmmmm

FRAYED,
That's the whole idea behind the one-lap dash. In the last two years we've had everything from an Etchells to an "Eyeteen" join us for the day only.
Join us, and bring your friends. If I can fly 9000 miles for the event (4 years in a row now), anyone can show up and do this awesome event.

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

This year for the first time, you have three race options to choose from:
1. One Lap Dash (finish during daylight hours)
2. 12 Hour (finish at 11pm)
3. HCW 24 Hour race. All the bells and whistles, plus glory and more.

PS: Everyone starts together, so if your boat is certified for category 5N, you can also choose to sail in all three divisions!

More than a few have told me that they plan on sailing this year in honor of Catherine (mainsheetgirl)

Sorry... i can't resist ;-)

how about a 12hour version? would be nice for those of us that lack any form of downstairs accommodation, oven, bbq, toilet... but would still make the trip up worthwhile... sportsboat division... sms... hmmmmmm

FRAYED,
That's the whole idea behind the one-lap dash. In the last two years we've had everything from an Etchells to an "Eyeteen" join us for the day only.
Join us, and bring your friends. If I can fly 9000 miles for the event (4 years in a row now), anyone can show up and do this awesome event.

Yep!
The good news is that your idea from two years ago to add a 12 hour version is gonna happen! Can you help round up some more mates to participate?

[frayedsheet]

This year for the first time, you have three race options to choose from:
1. One Lap Dash (finish during daylight hours)
2. 12 Hour (finish at 11pm)
3. HCW 24 Hour race. All the bells and whistles, plus glory and more.

PS: Everyone starts together, so if your boat is certified for category 5N, you can also choose to sail in all three divisions!

More than a few have told me that they plan on sailing this year in honor of Catherine (mainsheetgirl)

Sorry... i can't resist ;-)

how about a 12hour version? would be nice for those of us that lack any form of downstairs accommodation, oven, bbq, toilet... but would still make the trip up worthwhile... sportsboat division... sms... hmmmmmm

FRAYED,
That's the whole idea behind the one-lap dash. In the last two years we've had everything from an Etchells to an "Eyeteen" join us for the day only.
Join us, and bring your friends. If I can fly 9000 miles for the event (4 years in a row now), anyone can show up and do this awesome event.

Yep!
The good news is that your idea from two years ago to add a 12 hour version is gonna happen! Can you help round up some more mates to participate?

Of course. Should attract the other Syd T8...

[Heaven can wait]

Sorry Folks for my silence, I've recently been diagnosed with Diabetes and just trying to get my heads around it.

Sorry..

[Flatbag]

No apology ever necessary from you here mate.

Sorry to hear of your latest tribulation; you have had far more than your fair share of ailments and yet through it all you have created something special and done so much good.

And through it all, the sun still comes up in the morning.

We're not worthy!

[allpiss&wind]

The NORs for all three events are now up on the HCW website: www.heavencanwait.com.au. You'll find them on the front page, and also in Documentation.

We have not only the Classic 24 Hour race and the One Lap Dash (including the short Pulbah Island course for trailer-sailers), but also the new 12 hour Challenge.

Entries are also now open (and if you don't have your crew sorted yet, don't worry; you can easily go back later and add/amend/update). A couple of boats have already entered.

That's not all: There's also excellent news on the Swansea Channel. Check out the Documentation page on the HCW website, where we have links to the latest (May 2012) hydrographic surveys of the channel. Depths are all at least 2 m, and dredging is continuing. If you have a boat with a draft of over 2 m, and you are thinking of coming into the lake, PM me. Boats with drafts of 2.5m plus are regularly safely managing the channel.

[Bill E Goat]

I'm in - where are the rest of you

[Not Working]

Me too

[Phil]

After 6 years of involvement in the HCW, Sailed two - won one, third the other, PRO for two and Assisted the PRO for the next two - I'm involved in a regatta on the other side of the lake , so will be watching and listening on the VHF. May come over one evening for a beer.

One day - one day, DCMJ and I will sail it again.

[kelly]

I'm in - where are the rest of you

Slingshot is coming down from Noosa, Noosa Special will drag it down , Bryce and I will come up from Sydney to crew. Looking forward to it after last year on Bob Sled when we pulled out at around 5am, three up was one short in those conditions, we could not afford to send some one down for the beers, it has to be better this year.

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

After 6 years of involvement in the HCW, Sailed two - won one, third the other, PRO for two and Assisted the PRO for the next two - I'm involved in a regatta on the other side of the lake , so will be watching and listening on the VHF. May come over one evening for a beer.

One day - one day, DCMJ and I will sail it again.

Indeed! Racing it again (the full 24 hours, hopefully) with you is at the top of my future plans list.
In the meantime, I'm all booked to fly to SYD and return to Lake Maquarie for RC duty again this September.

[Jabbawocky]

A wonderful effort from Blake and everyone.

Be interesting to see what kind of boats enter the 12 hour race. Thats the same length as the Gippsland Lakes Race they have at Easter is it not?

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

Thanks Jabba!

A reminder for those on Facebook. Here is the link to the HCW Facebook page. Please "Like" it and share on your own page(s) with your friends.
http://www.facebook....214485428611954

[Heaven can wait]

It's the Seventh Heaven folks,

Not bad going for a bet I made with my boat 8 years ago.

Join us for the 2012 Edition of the HCW and write your own little bit of history.

HCW

[Heaven can wait]

A wonderful effort from Blake and everyone.

Be interesting to see what kind of boats enter the 12 hour race. Thats the same length as the Gippsland Lakes Race they have at Easter is it not?

I think the HCW 12 hour is still longer. Timewise in duration that is.

The 24 Hour is still the "Ultimate" endurance Race a Sportie or Trailerable can do in Oz.

[snorky]

Reminded me so much of HCW's past, not this year though!

The local Sporties enjoying a squall at the start of yesterdays race

Hopefully will get some time to do a proper edit..

Keep the flame burning

[Not so fast]

Would the NSW sailing community be interested in competing in a 24 hour race around Lake Macquarie!



For NOR's and further info please goto Raffertys Resortand follow the links.

or MPYCand follow the links.

[Try Flying]

Now I'm probably preaching to the converted but on th eoff chance there are none HCW participants lurking here...

This is the most important and meaningful sailing event you will do all year. Think a loop of the lake is too easy for ya? Ask past competitors if they think its a challenge. Think it will be too hard? Ask the same competitors if it was worth the effort.

So make 2012 the year that you put your game face on, don some warm wet weather gear and join the ranks of an incredible fleet of sailors that face adversity and laugh in the face of the cold stinging wind for a worthy cause.

O.L.D, 12hr or 24hr classic ... choose your poison and step up to the challenge.

Life's too short to be just a spectator!

[F15 AUS]

Yes I know its sportsboat anarchy but can a skiff still do the one lap dash?

I know, take it to DA

[allpiss&wind]

Just a quick note that revised NORs for this year's race have now been posted to the website (www.heavencanwait.com.au). Thanks to me forgetting it was a Leap Year, I screwed up the dates (and my proofreaders missed them). As per usual, the event DOES start on a Saturday (September 29) and for those doing the 24 hour race, finishes on a Sunday (September 30). Those doing the One Lap Dash and the new 12 hour race will of course finish on the Saturday.

NOR links are here:
HCW 24 Hour Race
HCW 12 Hour Race
HCW One Lap Dash

Watch this space for more news as it comes along...

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

Yes I know its sportsboat anarchy but can a skiff still do the one lap dash?

I know, take it to DA

In the past six years we've had some of the following boats race the One Lap Dash: Etchells, 470, 505, 18s, Foiling Moths
...so yes!
The only thing we've asked the 18s to do is to have a support boat follow the boats in a safety role, and that's worked out with good success. If enough different skiffs or high performance dinghies sign up, they could probably pool resources and friends to team up with one (or more) support safety boat(s).

[Heaven can wait]

Time to bump up the HCW as it's not too long now before the 2012 "Seventh Heaven" Edition kicks off, so get your boats & crews organised for one of the Coolest Events, and Starts you'll ever sail in.

Lets see a bumper Sportie fleet at the start this year as after all the HCW was initially inspired by a Sportie.

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

3 weeks from tonight I'll be on a plane to Sydney. Can't wait!

For those of you who have been thinking about doing this race again... or for the very first time... you still have time to make plans to make it happen. This is truly the coolest and most unique sailing race I've ever done, and it should be on your calendar for Sept. 29-30!

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

And now it's down to two weeks till I'll be flying to Oz!
I'll be bringing a bit of Catherine (mainsheetgirl) along on the flight, and will be scattering her ashes on Lake Maquarie before the start of the HCW.

[Heaven can wait]

Bump folks, lets try and give the Race Entry Secretary RSI this year, such a big Lake and so precious is life not to get out and sail around it.

Entries you lot.

[Try Flying]

Well the big day is getting closer and closer and, like always, everyone is giving those on the committee a bloody heart attack by delaying their entries till the last minute.

I'm sitting here looking out on a clear beautifull blue sky day after last nights starry display and the past few days of "healthy" breeze and I can't for the life of me think why anyone would be still sitting on the fence about making 2012 the year that they step up to the challenge. The HCWYC has made it easier than ever to rise to the challenge buy including a 12hr so there are no more excuses!

In the past this thread has been critisized for being in the sports boat forum but with the inclusion of the 12hr on top of the OLD I hope it becomes abundently clear that this IS a race for ALL comers and now more than ever the most challenging sport boat race anyone is likely to take on.

So for heavens sake, get off the fence and enter!

Life's not a spectator sport.

Cheers

[kelly]

Slingshot the new Leech 6.5TS is doing some sort of Night race up in Qld this week, then getting polished up for its trip down for the HCW. We have entered all of the events , would not want to miss out on completing the 24 hours if the weather holds. Have 4 up crew from Balmain Tiger this year and plenty of room for the beer and an extra crew member to go down stairs and get it . We plan to have a serious go at the one lap and 12 houir races, just hope the handicapper gives us a fair rub .
We know the boat is quick having done the Bay to Bay in it earlier this year in its first race. Bob has been doing a lot of playing over the last 6 months and has promised us a real ride
Bob is one year older this year and so at 75 is now into his last 10 years of sports boat racing.it won't be much fun without a competitive fleet, get your entries in now. You don't know how much fun this race is unless you do it.

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

Slingshot the new Leech 6.5TS is doing some sort of Night race up in Qld this week, then getting polished up for its trip down for the HCW. We have entered all of the events , would not want to miss out on completing the 24 hours if the weather holds. Have 4 up crew from Balmain Tiger this year and plenty of room for the beer and an extra crew member to go down stairs and get it . We plan to have a serious go at the one lap and 12 houir races, just hope the handicapper gives us a fair rub .
We know the boat is quick having done the Bay to Bay in it earlier this year in its first race. Bob has been doing a lot of playing over the last 6 months and has promised us a real ride
Bob is one year older this year and so at 75 is now into his last 10 years of sports boat racing.it won't be much fun without a competitive fleet, get your entries in now. You don't know how much fun this race is unless you do it.

Very, very cool!
I can't wait to get back to Lake Maquarie!

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

Made it to Sydney this morning after a 9000 mile series of flights, with MSG along for the ride!

Rumor has it that at least one (or more) very special guests (complete with Olympic hardware) will be joining us for the Friday welcome dinner at RMYC- Toronto!

[Mad Mac]

DCMJ, welcome

How'd she go with the minibar?

Would the guests be the guys that assembled the high jumps in London?

M
Z

[Evo]

DCMJ....need a postal addy to get the calender to you.

Welcome back!

[allpiss&wind]

HCW 2012 SIs are up (go to http://www.heavencanwait.com.au to read them). A few subtle but significant changes this year (including an exactly 30 Nm course), and of course the 12 hour race.

Also announced is the traditional HCW Friday night dinner, this year featuring two of Australia’s sailing heroes, Olivia Price, the London 2012 Olympic Silver Medallist and Josh McKnight the 2012 Moth World Champion. Again, go to the website for more details, and how to book tickets.

[GybeSet®]

O.P. at the dinner !!

comorn judge & AP&W

get that on the Front Page

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

O.P. at the dinner !!

comorn judge & AP&W

get that on the Front Page

GybeSet- not sure what you mean?

[GybeSet®]

you haven't heard the rumour that there's a Front Page on Sailing Anarchy ?

[Mad Mac]

Don't forget how special she is, making two appearances at the HCW.

Front page would be good. I know the Newcastle Morning Herald has a front page.

If you want to get on board with MSG, join her with Young 'n' Old. http://www.everydayh.../a_young_n_old_

M
Z

[knobblyoldjimbo]

All the best everyone, have a good race and enjoy the course.

I'll watch you go past at Mannering Park, just watch out for a yellow topped Maricat with a Tasker main.

KO

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

All the best everyone, have a good race and enjoy the course.

I'll watch you go past at Mannering Park, just watch out for a yellow topped Maricat with a Tasker main.

KO

KO- Can you keep an eye out for the Mannering Park? It's being set as we speak. It has a Yellowbrick tracker on it, but it's always nice to get real eyes on it as well.
Cheers

[frayedsheet]

mate needs one crew

one lap gentlemans distance, easy boat to sail,

call John ---- ohh 4 one too 327 489

I am suddenly one short on the T8 now... The problem with having a QF A380 pilot as navigator on your boat is that they can get called up at the last minute to take a plane load to Singapore.

So, any takers for the 12 hour (weather permitting) or the OLD tomorrow?

Experience not essential - good attitude a must! Wet Weather gear, Beer, Rum, JD, Coke, Red Bull, Snakes, Mars Bars, Snicker and some Ham/Salami rolls all provided!

Zero Four Two Seven 677-115

[Teaky]

mate needs one crew

one lap gentlemans distance, easy boat to sail,

call John ---- ohh 4 one too 327 489

I am suddenly one short on the T8 now... The problem with having a QF A380 pilot as navigator on your boat is that they can get called up at the last minute to take a plane load to Singapore.

So, any takers for the 12 hour (weather permitting) or the OLD tomorrow?

Experience not essential - good attitude a must! Wet Weather gear, Beer, Rum, JD, Coke, Red Bull, Snakes, Mars Bars, Snicker and some Ham/Salami rolls all provided!

Zero Four Two Seven 677-115

Andy, wanna pick me up on your way? Lets do it!

[frayedsheet]

mate needs one crew

one lap gentlemans distance, easy boat to sail,

call John ---- ohh 4 one too 327 489

I am suddenly one short on the T8 now... The problem with having a QF A380 pilot as navigator on your boat is that they can get called up at the last minute to take a plane load to Singapore.

So, any takers for the 12 hour (weather permitting) or the OLD tomorrow?

Experience not essential - good attitude a must! Wet Weather gear, Beer, Rum, JD, Coke, Red Bull, Snakes, Mars Bars, Snicker and some Ham/Salami rolls all provided!

Zero Four Two Seven 677-115

Andy, wanna pick me up on your way? Lets do it!

Alas boat is in water out front of the house here at Coal Point. Jump in your car and Rockstar walk on at 1015, or if not, Train's the way to go... Fassifern by 930am!

[knobblyoldjimbo]

Forgot to say, around Mannering Park the club have put in their own standing buoys - they are yellow, cylindrical affairs and they have lights on so don't get them confused with the HCW buoy which from memory is big, and has the light inside.

I'll look out for it when I get there around 11.30

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

Breeze on at the start this morning at 11! When I say breeze on, I mean the biggest breeze we've seen in 7 years! Details to follow!

[Phil S]

Certainly a big wind Blake. 30kts +/- a bit. NSW Youth regatta at Belmont accross the lake was held ashore with 35kt gusts.
Of the moths only Josh McKnight made it around the One Lap Dash, in a time close to Nathan's 2hr 7m record despite many swims. The other 6 moths all made it home unassisted after giving up at various stages. I think all the kites pulled out early too.
One Sports boat capsized at the start, at least one other swam further on. Many back early having given up.
When I left about 2.00pm the only other boat to be back in sight and apparently still racing was a 505.
Hope everyone is safe. I am sure the race committee are very busy just now accounting for everyone and getting boats home safely. Do not expect results too quickly.
Its going to be a tough night for those doing the long versions,

[GybeSet®]

thanks Phil

BOM weather observ. have gusts 17 to 28 knts for the duration so far, finally easing to 8 knts around 17:30
From the West too which funnels & is lethal gusty on the lake

this w station readings are on land nearby so MORE on the water 'eh

http://www.bom.gov.a...801.95767.shtml

[Heaven can wait]

Race day and wow,

Competitors were briefed for a building gusty WNW weather pattern, and with 30 odd minutes to the gun "Hui" delivered in spades.

Todays start of the "Seventh" Heaven can Wait saw Big boats, Sports Boats, Cruising Boats, Multi Hulls, Skiffs, Dinghies, Moths and Kite boards blast away from a reaching Toronto start line and carve, plane and fly their way towards Coal Point. It wasn't long before the Kite boards and Moths cleared out from the pack and equally it wasn't long before the Crashes, Broaches and "Carnage" began to make its mark on the 2012 Edition of the great Race.

First out was one of smaller boats in the fleet with what could only be described as an extremely "odd" looking rig, with an almost neat right angle bend mid mast.

A Farr 40 OD provided much camera fodder with a projected kite set, and subsequent ploughing to a final classic broach before a barrage of consistant "Bullets" that sent most of the fleet into yikes mode.

I had the pleasure of witnessing one of the great sights on Lake Macquarie in relative comfort on the suitably named "Hui", a Riv 40 something ducking and weaving between Kiteboards and Moths, as we tried to take in as much of the 2012 HCW start as we could. We powered our way to the front of the fleet where one by one we managed to catch the leaders. Stealthy, the Lake Macquarie giant killing sportsboat was revelling in the gusty conditions with a good lead as the leaders rounded Coal point and hardened up for the loose work up to the Wangi Mark. It wasn't long before the pointy end was barrelling their way out to Wangi Point with Stealthy again leading the way with Wallop, Quest and the Farr 40 in pursuit.

One by one the fleet passed us, all equally unsettled by the "Skuds" piping around the Headland. Much of the fleet chose to Bat wing their headsails for the run out of Wangi, however most of the Sportsboats set kites and smoked their way out. Zippier, a Thompson 8 from Sydney was loving the conditions when "Crack" and the rig came down peeling back over the scambling crew in the cockpit. There is nothing more final than the "Game Over" sight of a dismasted yacht bobbing around in the prevailing swells.

Plan B, another Sportsboat had a massive broach followed by a pretty severe round up, their race to would be done with a broken rudder.

We left the fleet as they made an impressive sight heading toward Pulbah Island and the distant southern reaches of Lake Macquarie, and wow what an action packed race the 2012 HCW is going to be.

This evening the winds have eased somewhat, and touch wood we have seen no sign of rain, tomorrow promises to be even better weather wise with nothing but sunshine on the horizon.

Stay tuned for more updates.

HCW signing off for now.

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

Getting ready to do the 11pm radio sked in an hour, which also serves as the finish for the new 12 Hour challenge. The remainder of the fleet will continue through the night. At 0705, I'll get back on the VHF and wake the fleet up with my now-standard Robin William's impersonation of Adrian Cronauer. Not sure that I can draw it out anywhere near as long, but I'll give it a go.
 2012HCW_leFrog.jpg   136.22K   40 downloads  2012HCW_Zippier.jpg   135.32K   48 downloads (Zippier when they still had a mast at the start.)

[kelly]

A race to remember- and for some to forget

As we headed out from the dock in beautiful conditions the conversation on board Slingshot went something like this : “ Looks like we can hold No 1 past the first point, no breeze is starting to build, maybe we go for the No 2 , na… lets just put up the Code zero and make it easy on ourselves, Oh! Shit this is serious breeze we can’t gybe into the start , there are boats already on their back, lets granny and start safely which we did if not a minute of two late.

The run up to Coal Point was interesting , we were two sail blast reaching at 10-11 knots and closing on the bigger boats that got away on time, but well behind the Boatspeed 23 , Zippier and Zip, the shaw 6.5 “ Barely Legal” and the three E7’s. which seemed to relish in the condtions. As we approached coal point the breeze eased and Zippier popped a kite, it did not look great which was an omen for things to come.

The beat into Wangi was hard going for a bunch of old guys on such a sprightly young lady, we had trouble keeping the 38 footers at bay, and were closing on the E7’s and as we rounded the Wangi mark, we passed our first boatspeed 23 , it was laying on its side, clearly did not enjoy the gybe at the mark in 30 knots , one down. As we exited Wangi the E7’s popped their kites as did the Shaw 6.5 , Zippier and Zip. We stayed conservative, two sailing it out of the bay and paid the price in distance to the leaders but lived to fight another day.

As the breeze became shy around the conservation area headland, we were back two sail blast reaching mode seeing our top speed of the day at 13.8 knots , the E7’s dropped their kites , the Zip held on as did Zippier and Shaw to our leeward, only problem, Zippier had shed its Mast and the Barely Legal looked in all sorts of problems . The beat up around Pulbah Island was not comfortable, we were holding around 7 knots and closing just holding off the winged 30 footer. We took a number of greenies over the bow and I regretted mentioning how dry the Leech 6.5 was.

As we bore away around Pulbah things started to get more comfortable, I think we got our first beer as blast reaching conditions retured and average speed grew over 11 knots and we were able to make the 38 – 42 footers look slow. The winged 30 footer water lined us, but they had no beer so we were able to razz them as they sneaked past. It was then that we saw the first of the 505’s heading out of the Mannering Park mark, how fast are those things in a blow when well sailed, excellent job “Windward Mark” fist in Div 1. The reach back up to Pulbah was a great opportunity to pass another a Bennie 32.7, NS 38 and a J35. The struggle to get Zip was made a lot easier when they appeared to loose some of the Square top rigidity, did not look pretty as we blasted past. The Elliot 7’s put up much more of a fight , but we got two of them as we bore away around Point Wolstoncraft for the run to Raffertys. Once agin the Elliott’s popped their kites, we stayed conservative and paid big time with 3 Elliots ahead of us as we rounded Rafferty’s mark.

The long reach/work up to the Warner’s bay at the top of the Lake was exciting , wet and hard work for all crews. T6.5 which had held us off up until this stage started to stuggle with a rip near the top of the main, good for de powering, but not good to hold us off any longer. As we moved into woring conditions the T6.5 struggled but the bigger boats loved it and seemed to have big grins on those sitting on the rails as they got us.

The reach back down from Warners Bay was another blast with serious speed and smiles on board as we realised that the finish line was within sight. We closed on the Elliot’s ahead and as we hardened up around Broughton Point and headed for the penultimate mark in Kooroora bay. The winged 30 footer which had been our nemesis all day was just in front as we headed for the finish, but they went a bit low and had to take back across the line. We smiled from relief and fatigue as we called starboard and got one more line honours place in a time of 3 hours and 50 mins.

We had entered all three races, one lap, 12 hour and 24 hour. The chance of us making 12 hours was almost nill, our crew were all exhausted after just one lap, that was serious hard work. Congratulations to all those who beat us home , particularly the Elliotts and the 505’s. Particular credit to the 5.5 Metre Quatro who completed the 12 hours in conditions that only got worse in the night. To the crew on 8 metre Stealthy , commiserations, I hear that they stuck it in the piss and wet their electrics and so were forced to retire in the night, or did they run out of beer.

Full results on the HCW we site.

[Bryce]

A race to remember- and for some to forget

As we headed out from the dock in beautiful conditions the conversation on board Slingshot went something like this : “ Looks like we can hold No 1 past the first point, no breeze is starting to build, maybe we go for the No 2 , na… lets just put up the Code zero and make it easy on ourselves, Oh! Shit this is serious breeze we can’t gybe into the start , there are boats already on their back, lets granny and start safely which we did if not a minute of two late.

The run up to Coal Point was interesting , we were two sail blast reaching at 10-11 knots and closing on the bigger boats that got away on time, but well behind the Boatspeed 23 , Zippier and Zip, the shaw 6.5 “ Barely Legal” and the three E7’s. which seemed to relish in the condtions. As we approached coal point the breeze eased and Zippier popped a kite, it did not look great which was an omen for things to come.

The beat into Wangi was hard going for a bunch of old guys on such a sprightly young lady, we had trouble keeping the 38 footers at bay, and were closing on the E7’s and as we rounded the Wangi mark, we passed our first boatspeed 23 , it was laying on its side, clearly did not enjoy the gybe at the mark in 30 knots , one down. As we exited Wangi the E7’s popped their kites as did the Shaw 6.5 , Zippier and Zip. We stayed conservative, two sailing it out of the bay and paid the price in distance to the leaders but lived to fight another day.

As the breeze became shy around the conservation area headland, we were back two sail blast reaching mode seeing our top speed of the day at 13.8 knots , the E7’s dropped their kites , the Zip held on as did Zippier and Shaw to our leeward, only problem, Zippier had shed its Mast and the Barely Legal looked in all sorts of problems . The beat up around Pulbah Island was not comfortable, we were holding around 7 knots and closing just holding off the winged 30 footer. We took a number of greenies over the bow and I regretted mentioning how dry the Leech 6.5 was.

As we bore away around Pulbah things started to get more comfortable, I think we got our first beer as blast reaching conditions retured and average speed grew over 11 knots and we were able to make the 38 – 42 footers look slow. The winged 30 footer water lined us, but they had no beer so we were able to razz them as they sneaked past. It was then that we saw the first of the 505’s heading out of the Mannering Park mark, how fast are those things in a blow when well sailed, excellent job “Windward Mark” fist in Div 1. The reach back up to Pulbah was a great opportunity to pass another a Bennie 32.7, NS 38 and a J35. The struggle to get Zip was made a lot easier when they appeared to loose some of the Square top rigidity, did not look pretty as we blasted past. The Elliot 7’s put up much more of a fight , but we got two of them as we bore away around Point Wolstoncraft for the run to Raffertys. Once agin the Elliott’s popped their kites, we stayed conservative and paid big time with 3 Elliots ahead of us as we rounded Rafferty’s mark.

The long reach/work up to the Warner’s bay at the top of the Lake was exciting , wet and hard work for all crews. T6.5 which had held us off up until this stage started to stuggle with a rip near the top of the main, good for de powering, but not good to hold us off any longer. As we moved into woring conditions the T6.5 struggled but the bigger boats loved it and seemed to have big grins on those sitting on the rails as they got us.

The reach back down from Warners Bay was another blast with serious speed and smiles on board as we realised that the finish line was within sight. We closed on the Elliot’s ahead and as we hardened up around Broughton Point and headed for the penultimate mark in Kooroora bay. The winged 30 footer which had been our nemesis all day was just in front as we headed for the finish, but they went a bit low and had to take back across the line. We smiled from relief and fatigue as we called starboard and got one more line honours place in a time of 3 hours and 50 mins.

We had entered all three races, one lap, 12 hour and 24 hour. The chance of us making 12 hours was almost nill, our crew were all exhausted after just one lap, that was serious hard work. Congratulations to all those who beat us home , particularly the Elliotts and the 505’s. Particular credit to the 5.5 Metre Quatro who completed the 12 hours in conditions that only got worse in the night. To the crew on 8 metre Stealthy , commiserations, I hear that they stuck it in the piss and wet their electrics and so were forced to retire in the night, or did they run out of beer.

Full results on the HCW we site.

It was 14.8 knots. Felt faster... Well done guys for keeping the little girl upright let alone for the 3rd home in div and 3rd on handicap. Special well done to Slingshot owner, Bob. 75 and helmed like a champ for entire lap... well except for the short nap after head butting the cockpit during a gybe.

I wanna Leach 650 Hardtop!

Speedy return to Super 30s Zippier!

[frayedsheet]

T8 terminal velocity

 317635_10151158918541530_1043989397_n.jpg   191.13K   25 downloads

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

T8 terminal velocity

 317635_10151158918541530_1043989397_n.jpg   191.13K   25 downloads

Yowza!
What did you see (or estimate) for wind speed during that first lap?

[Bill E Goat]

We hit 16 knots on the Elliott 7 - kite ride out of Wangi in about 25+, that was fun
It was brutal and wet but it kicked to about 30+ off Belmont and we had a few issues tacking then the main tore and we had to call it a day

[Not Working]

 IMG_1293.jpg   91.28K   28 downloads

and for all of that,
boat is 2.5 meters shorter and 1.5 knots faster
better still ordinary alkaline batteries lasted the full 12 hours+ in the ProStart, although its a bit hard to see in the dark

[kelly]

 IMG_1293.jpg   91.28K   28 downloads

and for all of that,
boat is 2.5 meters shorter and 1.5 knots faster
better still ordinary alkaline lasted the full 12 hours+ in the ProStart, although its a bit hard to see in the dark

Super effort from you guys... that little baby must have been screaming, and to hang out there for the 12 hours in what were seriously difficult and demanding conditions just blows my mind. You deserve a special medal cast in your honour.
To be fair to Zippier, the T8, they did not really get a chance to wind up, they were only on the water for about 35 minutes.

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

Very nice interview with Shaun just before the start of the race by NBN news about the HCW:

http://www.nbnnews.c...ney-for-cancer/

[SPORTSCAR]

 IMG_1293.jpg   91.28K   28 downloads

and for all of that,
boat is 2.5 meters shorter and 1.5 knots faster
better still ordinary alkaline batteries lasted the full 12 hours+ in the ProStart, although its a bit hard to see in the dark

Wow, that's honking CB!

 Life's%20too%20short.jpg   91.12K   5 downloads

[hair of the dog]

We (boatspeed23) were the upside down boat at the start. Unfortunately as we rounded up in a big gust my wife fell onto the boom injuring her ribs (fortunately not as badly as we first thought). Our attention was on her rather than righting the boat and another gust rolled it right over. The lake is 1metre shallower than a BS23 rig in that area and was stuck fast. Game over.

Before the start, and before we had put the headsail up our top speed was 14.8 kts...

Well done to all who competed and especially those sports boats and dinghies that completed the course.

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

We (boatspeed23) were the upside down boat at the start. Unfortunately as we rounded up in a big gust my wife fell onto the boom injuring her ribs (fortunately not as badly as we first thought). Our attention was on her rather than righting the boat and another gust rolled it right over. The lake is 1metre shallower than a BS23 rig in that area and was stuck fast. Game over.

Before the start, and before we had put the headsail up our top speed was 14.8 kts...

Well done to all who competed and especially those sports boats and dinghies that completed the course.

Sorry about both the capsize and especially the injury to your wife. Glad to hear she's doing OK, though. I just got back "Up Over" to Minneapolis. Might have some pics of you in the inverted position. It might be a few days before I have time to review my shots, but I'll take a look.

[allpiss&wind]

Welcome back home Blake! Hope you had a good trip back.

[allpiss&wind]

So... can we get over the magic $30k again??? Support your favourite boat!

Heaven Can Wait 2012 fundraising approaches $30,000

Just on $30,000 has been raised by sailors and supporters participating in the 2012 Heaven Can Wait Charity Yacht Regatta, held on Lake Macquarie (south of Newcastle) on September 29-30.

The race, which is held to raise funds for men's cancer research and support projects, includes the challengingH eaven Can Wait 24 Hour Yacht Race, as well as a 12 Hour option and a "One Lap Dash" around the 30 Nm course.

The race began in a stiff 30 kn northwesterly breeze which blew up minutes before the start, and provided some challenging conditions for the 72 sailing boats on the startline -- which included racing and cruising yachts, sportstboats, multihulls, skiffs, foiling moths and kite surfers.

Fundraising activities included competing yachts seeking sponsorship from crew, family, friends, colleagues and other supporters -- with just over $23,800 raised so far. Donations are still being taken, and can be made by going to http://www.heavencan....au/Entries.cfm, then clicking on the name of a boat through which the donation is to bemade.

As well, a further $2,535.00 was raised through the Heaven Can Wait race entry system by those skippers who elected not to seek sponsorship --but instead pay a donation direct to the Cancer Council as part of their entry fee, while Toronto Rotary raised $350 through the sale of food and refreshments to sailors before and after the race.

An additional $3000 was raised by the Australian trailer-sailer community, with Hunter Valley-based sailor Simon Rock generously raffling off a week on his Catalina 320 Whitsundays-based charter yacht (at $1 a ticket), in memory of Paul David, a long-time contributor to and supporter of trailer-sailer community website and resource http://trailersailerplace.com.au (TSP) who recently passed away after a battle with cancer.

During Paul's illness, fellow TSP participant Simon had offered Paul a week's free use of his Whitsundays charter Catalina 320 Rockstar – but sadly Paul was unable to take advantage of this offer before he died in earlySeptember.

'Paul was an active member for many years, including being the author of the very popular and extremely informative sailing manual, 'Welcome Aboard' (which is available through http://www.trailersailerplace.com.au),' said Simon.

'We decided to combine the raffle with HCW, so as to to maximise the money raised in the fight against cancer.'

'ALL of the tickets sold will go to the anti-cancer cause, and we will pick up any costs ourselves,' he said.

'This would not be possible without the generous support of the Whitsundays leading charter company Charter Yachts Australia – you can visit them at http://www.cya.com.au.'

Heaven Can Wait PRO Blake Middleton took it upon himself to actively sell raffle tickets during the event, raising an additional $650 in the process.

Just on a week following the event, with just a few days to go, the total raised stood at $29,766.05.

And a final reminder: It's still not too late to donate to the 2012 Heaven Can Wait cancer fund; simply go tohttp://www.heavencan....au/Entries.cfm and click on the boat you'd like to support.

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

So... can we get over the magic $30k again??? Support your favourite boat!

Heaven Can Wait 2012 fundraising approaches $30,000

Just on $30,000 has been raised by sailors and supporters participating in the 2012 Heaven Can Wait Charity Yacht Regatta, held on Lake Macquarie (south of Newcastle) on September 29-30.

The race, which is held to raise funds for men's cancer research and support projects, includes the challengingH eaven Can Wait 24 Hour Yacht Race, as well as a 12 Hour option and a "One Lap Dash" around the 30 Nm course.

The race began in a stiff 30 kn northwesterly breeze which blew up minutes before the start, and provided some challenging conditions for the 72 sailing boats on the startline -- which included racing and cruising yachts, sportstboats, multihulls, skiffs, foiling moths and kite surfers.

Fundraising activities included competing yachts seeking sponsorship from crew, family, friends, colleagues and other supporters -- with just over $23,800 raised so far. Donations are still being taken, and can be made by going to http://www.heavencan....au/Entries.cfm, then clicking on the name of a boat through which the donation is to bemade.

As well, a further $2,535.00 was raised through the Heaven Can Wait race entry system by those skippers who elected not to seek sponsorship --but instead pay a donation direct to the Cancer Council as part of their entry fee, while Toronto Rotary raised $350 through the sale of food and refreshments to sailors before and after the race.

An additional $3000 was raised by the Australian trailer-sailer community, with Hunter Valley-based sailor Simon Rock generously raffling off a week on his Catalina 320 Whitsundays-based charter yacht (at $1 a ticket), in memory of Paul David, a long-time contributor to and supporter of trailer-sailer community website and resource http://trailersailerplace.com.au (TSP) who recently passed away after a battle with cancer.

During Paul's illness, fellow TSP participant Simon had offered Paul a week's free use of his Whitsundays charter Catalina 320 Rockstar – but sadly Paul was unable to take advantage of this offer before he died in earlySeptember.

'Paul was an active member for many years, including being the author of the very popular and extremely informative sailing manual, 'Welcome Aboard' (which is available through http://www.trailersailerplace.com.au),' said Simon.

'We decided to combine the raffle with HCW, so as to to maximise the money raised in the fight against cancer.'

'ALL of the tickets sold will go to the anti-cancer cause, and we will pick up any costs ourselves,' he said.

'This would not be possible without the generous support of the Whitsundays leading charter company Charter Yachts Australia – you can visit them at http://www.cya.com.au.'

Heaven Can Wait PRO Blake Middleton took it upon himself to actively sell raffle tickets during the event, raising an additional $650 in the process.

Just on a week following the event, with just a few days to go, the total raised stood at $29,766.05.

And a final reminder: It's still not too late to donate to the 2012 Heaven Can Wait cancer fund; simply go tohttp://www.heavencan....au/Entries.cfm and click on the boat you'd like to support.

Let's keep it rolling! Not too late to make a contribution!

[NZL3481]

DCMJ you should bring an E scow down with you next year. Would be a perfect boat for the 12 hr or one lap dash!

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

DCMJ you should bring an E scow down with you next year. Would be a perfect boat for the 12 hr or one lap dash!

E Scows don't sail at night, so no 12-hour options, but an E Scow would FLY in the one lap dash. Moths and Kites would beat it in good breeze, but most likely nothing else would keep up on all points of sail, except perhaps 18s. Now I just have to figure out how to get one of these 28' scows into the hold of a 747 to fly it Down Under.

[Heaven can wait]

Bump.. can't afford to loose SA history now can we.

[Sideline]

Bump.. can't afford to loose SA history now can we.

Could say the same thing, where have you been?

[honestjohn]

Anyone know the proposed date for this years HCW?

[gsbooker]

Fingers crossed it is not going to be early to mid November when the Jervis Bay Challenge is on.

I still think the long weekend was the best bet, not sure how many 24 hour boats there will be for a normal weekend.

Cheers

Graeme

[Don'tCallMeJudge]

Anyone know the proposed date for this years HCW?

 

 

Start spreading the word - the 8th annual Heaven Can Wait Race will be held on the weekend of November 16-17, 2013, with a charity dinner on Friday November 15. The weekend will feature close to a full moon which will be a distinct advantage for the 12 and 24 Hour Races, and because the date has moved until a little later in the year, the weather may be a little kinder. 

 

NOR link soon.

[GybeSet®]

.
an SMS division would attract Sportsboat entries.

[Try Flying]

I started a thread over on Multihull anarchy but no takers yet....Bloody wusses! I'll stir them up a bit again... don't think they will be able to resist knocking the multi record off especially the one for tri's.

 

Getting new sails for my baby so expect to see a small tri with black sails nipping at a few more of your monos transoms come November.

 

BTW feel free to hang shit on the boys over in the HCW Multi thread if they don't front up... after all it is sailing anarchy !

 

Cheers