634 replies to this topic

[Gorn FRANTIC!!]

No dredge for Swansea channel

FUCKING MORONS!

[Mad Mac]

No dredge for Swansea channel

FUCKING MORONS!

Going to make it difficult for the Lake boats to do the NCYC Inner Spring Regatta.

Anyone knows whos going up for that one?

M
Z

[Mad Mac]

No Port Stephens race this season???

Pittwater same weekend as 24hr.

NCYC doing some overnighters this year!

Channel still shallow.

Gonna make an interesting offshore season for the LMYC boys.

Anyone see how the Towtruck boys did on the F40? Gotta be more fun than a A31!

DAVO....you've been a bit quiet...where ya really bin???

M
Z

[BigDonger]

[quote name='Mad Mac' timestamp='1314095318' post='3376793']
No Port Stephens race this season???

Pittwater same weekend as 24hr.

NCYC doing some overnighters this year!

Channel still shallow.

Gonna make an interesting offshore season for the LMYC boys.

Anyone see how the Towtruck boys did on the F40? Gotta be more fun than a A31!

DAVO....you've been a bit quiet...where ya really bin???

M
Z
[/quote

NCYC doing a PT Stephens Weekend. Doing 2 overnighters also. 1. Cabbage Tree, Bird Island, Newcastle. 2. Lion Island, Return. The 2 race series is called "The Lion, The Bird and the Cabbage Series".
New CEO at the club who is sailing focused, no channel to worry about. Things looking good at NCYC

[mh111]

hey guys

bit of a long-shot but we have recently lost one guy off my etchells and looking for a replacement. anybody know of some one who might be interested ? we sail out of lmyc (obviously...)

can be bow or middle (or steer if they are better than me !). need to be less than 95kg and willing to commit to 4 out of 5 saturdays plus a busy regatta programme - states, nationals and worlds (all in sydney nov - feb)

pm me for contact details

thanks

cheers,

[Mad Mac]

Disappointing, but expected, turn out from the lake boats for the Pittwater race. - 2 only able to make it out the channel!
Go the H28! Should be more small boat out there!

With the channel the way it is Newcastle is the place to be if you want to go ocean racing.
Unfortunately the marina is the only place to stay (unless you own a dockyard!)and it gets pretty expensive!
I have heard though, there is murmurings of NCYC reducing the cost of pens.

Looking forward to the new events. Not quite a LHI race but something different for the region.

M
Z

[Heaven can wait]

I did a number of interviews for the ABC and Newspaper Media in the lead up to this years HCW.

Whether I like it or not the HCW now has a significant voice with respect to the Channel, especially where potential visiting yachts are all but by-passing the Lake due to the current depth issues, and in the case of the HCW and the very real potential $$$ lost to local business because of the continued neglect of the Channel is becoming substantial.

Whilst the HCW continues to attract very little support from the majority of the Lakes YC's, and despite an unusual lead up to this years Event we still managed to attract some 57 boats over the October Long Weekend. In excess of $30K was raised, and World and Olympic Champions competed.

The hidden financial gain to the Region was highlighted by the continued support by Queensland and Victorian Yachts that competed, it also begs the question of what in the hell are our Lakes Boats doing. I could on....?

Ladies and Gents, the pressure if any to have a full time Dredge working the Channel, will directly be influenced by passing trade that is "Lost", not whether LMYC boats will able to get out of the Lake to do a little Offshore work.

The HCW and other high profile Regatta's are many of the Lakes business'es Life Blood, and in many instances the financial injection we all need to keep our business'es open and our locals in jobs.

It's late, I'm tired but I will have more to add to the Channel situation, however in the meantime I'd like to see more, masny more Local Yacht owners highlight next years HCw as a "To Do" Events and support what is rapidly becoming an institution.

Ignore the HCW and evetually it will go away.

HCW.

[Mad Mac]

I did a number of interviews for the ABC and Newspaper Media in the lead up to this years HCW.

Whether I like it or not the HCW now has a significant voice with respect to the Channel, especially where potential visiting yachts are all but by-passing the Lake due to the current depth issues, and in the case of the HCW and the very real potential $$$ lost to local business because of the continued neglect of the Channel is becoming substantial.

Whilst the HCW continues to attract very little support from the majority of the Lakes YC's, and despite an unusual lead up to this years Event we still managed to attract some 57 boats over the October Long Weekend. In excess of $30K was raised, and World and Olympic Champions competed.

The hidden financial gain to the Region was highlighted by the continued support by Queensland and Victorian Yachts that competed, it also begs the question of what in the hell are our Lakes Boats doing. I could on....?

Ladies and Gents, the pressure if any to have a full time Dredge working the Channel, will directly be influenced by passing trade that is "Lost", not whether LMYC boats will able to get out of the Lake to do a little Offshore work.

The HCW and other high profile Regatta's are many of the Lakes business'es Life Blood, and in many instances the financial injection we all need to keep our business'es open and our locals in jobs.

It's late, I'm tired but I will have more to add to the Channel situation, however in the meantime I'd like to see more, masny more Local Yacht owners highlight next years HCw as a "To Do" Events and support what is rapidly becoming an institution.

Ignore the HCW and evetually it will go away.

HCW.

HCW,

I love the event and participated the 3 previous years after a couple of years convincing the owner that we would not be drifting around for 24hrs. We have raised a few bob along the way.

The 24hr is a real challenge and one of the hardest races I do all year and was a hard decision for me not to do it this year.

Unfortunately people buy ocean racing yachts to go ocean racing and the October long weekend is when one of the few ocean races is scheduled (for the lake boats). Why the boats that weren't going to battle the channel didn't challenge themselves for the 24hr has got me beat?

Personally, I would like to see the 24 hr race as part of the LMYC offshore point score. But for some reason the weekend warriors shy away from night racing. Been tried before and failed.

Your event for some reason attracts the more casual sailor, (and I am sure they come away a better sailor for the experience).
Why is this so? Easier to get that sort of boat onto the lake? Not committed to every Saturday, therefore wifey happy for them to play? Don't really know what there getting themselves into? Not chasing a bit of club plastic?

I'm with you, the HCW event should be the premier annual event on the east coast, (S2H, S2GC aside).
I think it can be done, we just need the planets to align.

Oh! and my (non) entry fees has been deposited.

NOW the channel.Yup the dollar will drive it, but I pay my rates, mooring fees, rego, regularly visit my lakeside chandler, a memeber. of just about every sailing club. I'd like to get out and in!!!!

From what I hear is..... Too hard to get into the lake. Nothing at Newcastle. Lets spend our money at Port Stephens. (Smiley face gagging)

Over to yor HCW

M
Z

[Heaven can wait]

Mad Mac, I'm wrapped that you're rapidly becoming a "Veteran" at the HCW, you're in rare company with 3 under your belt.

I know LMYC had a sort of Overnighter years ago, however from what I remember come 2 or 3am there'd be some sort of declaration that the Race was over, then everyone went home.

The HCW was always meant to be a true test, when I originally toyed around with the idea I never expected the actual race to be one of the hardest Races I had ever done. The simple fact was after the finish, and my crew and I had time to reflect on the 24 hours prior, the purpose why we were all there carried far more satisfaction and impotace, than anything I'd done before.

As for the meaning of the HCW - "I" the "Founder" got it.

The HCW has entertained some "Heavy Hitters" in the past. The pointy end would be at home at any Regatta (If they allowed the Wild Variation of boats that feature in the Pointy end).

Mad Mac, you're right about the core of the HCW Fleet, it's cruisey however for many it's night sailing experience you just can't buy. Jessica Watson would have definately benefited with a "Pre" Circumnvigation HCW hit out before Officially set off.

As for the HCW to be Officially recognized as part of an Offshore Series, I'd be behind that 100% as I always have been. To have some pretty well recognized Offshore Yachties sing the praises of the HCW, as a great hit out Pre Summer before the Blue Water Classic's.

Almost 100 sail changes in 24 Hours?

Anyway back to the Channel, the HCW has been chosen by the Media as a Principle chess piece in the battle to get something done permanently, as whilst I'm luke warm about the HCW being used as Political Pawn, I'm all for getting boats in and out of the Lake under their own steam in safety.

It appears from my past dealings with Council and State Governments that "Special Interest" groups sem to directly influence funding. Have a look at the Walking Track around parts of the Foreshore around the Lake. They are mostly used by Kids, who don't pay Rates or Tax at all, yet we the Tax payer and Rate payer fork out heaps for their pleasure.

MM, I don't wish to speak out of turn, however the HCW has presented concrete evidence that "Business" both large and small is missing out on passing trade, in other words the Channel in it's present state is "Restricting Trade".

Nice carefully scripted response Btw.

HCW

[Gorn FRANTIC!!]

Anyone else here who sails in Div 1 at LMYC think the new Easterly bay course implemented at the start of last season is a god awful course and would prefer to go back to the old one?

[richiec]

Can Melges 32's get through at Swansea without lifting keels? There is a regatta there soon. No one want's to bring a keel crane. Run up from Pittwater ought to take?

[Gorn FRANTIC!!]

How much do they draw with the keel down?.

OK just went and found that info out for myself. At 7ft it would be touch and go, my suggestion would be to find out how many boats are coming up from Pittwater & the harbor and get of many as you to come up in 1 group as possible, pick the biggest high tide for the week and also call Marks Pt marina & let them know when you're coming in and tell them you'd like a boat there to assist with pull downs if needed when you come through.

[Mattock]

Visiting yachts for an event are gunshy about getting in ... and getting out. The VMR guys are well intended but can be heavy handed, more than one skipper has wondered if they were going to pull the cleat out of the deck, and when offered to pull her over with a halyard have visions of catastrophe. Hence they think - best to stay at home.

HCW is not the only event people come up to the lake for - RSYS have run Squadron cruise (50 boats for a week) up there in the past but would get 10% of the boats due to above reasons.

I guess barry is thinking if he pushes it back the council will do something. Can a dredge not be used for multiple sites along the coast? Is it a full time ongoing job?

Mat.

[richiec]

The 32 can bring its keel crane along and hoist up a couple of feet - the issue may be with the rudder, though potentially that can be lifted as well. Both keel and rudder would need some sort of chock in the well to stop the keel from banging around, and something similar in the rudder opening. It can be done, but is a bit of a hassle, and a bit of an 'agricultural' solution. Seems bizarre they just won't dredge the bugger and be done with it. Local government politics?

[Gorn FRANTIC!!]

A guy I know was doing a delivery to Sydney with a yacht that draws 6ft, he got stuck near swan bay and at the time thought he was stuck there for good, I think VMR or someone like that towed him off, no idea what stage the tide was at when he was trying to get out. If the cranes aren't too much of a hassle to bring up on the boats I would highly recommend it, worst case scenario would be pull the rudder out, crank the bulb up to the bottom of the boat and get towed through.

[DAVO]

I'm here but not that often. Just check in to see if someone has got something new and interesting on the Lake Sailing agenda.

Just did the Sunsail Regatta and it is so disappointing to see the lack of patronage from yachts around the lake. I remember the times when there'd be shit loads of boats, crews, free beer for an hour and a free BBQ. Same with the 50 miler, Where the Bloody Hell are ya's?

The HCW is a great event that I hope can maintain it's appeal and grow even bigger. It's unique, interesting and I'm sure it's got more to come with future events.

P.S. Who says you've got a Big Donga you BIG DONGA!

[Gorn FRANTIC!!]

It's the same shit over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over again.

It's been a dying event for years and nothing has been done to change it, you've heard Einstein's definition of insanity right? Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

[BigDonger]

P.S. Who says you've got a Big Donga you BIG DONGA!

Your missus!

[DAVO]

No, she said you're a BIG DONGA with a little penis and no balls! :0

And my point exactly GORN. Same shit over and over and over etc. etc.
I found the regatta up at Nelson Bay quite good,not the Lake but close enough. Looks like we will likely take Kerinda up there next year.

[Gorn FRANTIC!!]

Does anyone here own or know of a 6 and or 8 man life raft that can be borrowed for a race on the 11th of Feb??? if so pleaee reply here or drop me a PM.

[Mad Mac]

Does anyone here own or know of a 6 and or 8 man life raft that can be borrowed for a race on the 11th of Feb??? if so pleaee reply here or drop me a PM.

Thinking of doing a lap around Lion, Gorn?
If you need to deploy, don't drop it on the beach, throw it out the other side of the boat.

M
Z

[Gorn FRANTIC!!]

That's on one. I think Mr Roberts made contact with you on the subject this arvo. I'll get a service price from Bulbeck's tomorrow and be in touch about that side of things ASAP.

[uncle chop chop]

Just looking at the Sail Port Stephens list of entries and it appears Patto has a new Tow Truck. A Benny 34.7, is the family life slowing him down or has he found a secret 5th mode to make these boats sail to there rating?
Also Matt Allen is listed as racing a Farr 400, typo or does he have the first F400 in Oz?
Can anyone even get out of the lake at the moment to come and play.

[Gorn FRANTIC!!]

No typo, Matt Allen does have the first F400 in Aus. Not sure if its in the country yet but you'd hope it wasn't too far off. With rwgards to the channel. iOTA went out before New Years and hasn't bothered trying to come back in, andcwith only 1 lake boat heading upto Newcastle for the Friendship Cup I'd say the channel is once again (still?) good and fucked...

[paulewill]

The 6th mode.

[you wont make it]

Pato has a full set of 3DI ready in time for the first 3 days in Port Stephens.....

[Mad Mac]

No typo, Matt Allen does have the first F400 in Aus. Not sure if its in the country yet but you'd hope it wasn't too far off. With rwgards to the channel. iOTA went out before New Years and hasn't bothered trying to come back in, andcwith only 1 lake boat heading upto Newcastle for the Friendship Cup I'd say the channel is once again (still?) good and fucked...

Just helped an A40 and The Culprit in last week.
Small bump off Swan and minor drag over the drop over. Piss easy.
Both going back out for Port Stephens, and possibly Swansea - Newcastle and back.
Hopefully the dredge will sort out the remaining issues.

M
Z

[Loco.]

So.

Can anyone give me a brief rundown on sailing and living in Lake Macquarie?

Where to live. What schools are like. Where to sail. What sort of sailing and fleet sizes?

I know it's a big ask.

Thanks.

[Gorn FRANTIC!!]

Where to live would depend on where you're going to be working I guess, similar with schools (there are some public schools to avoid though, both primary & secondary)

With regards to sailing there's pretty much everything and everything to choose from, keelboats, dinghys, cats. If you're more on the serious side about racing yachts LMYC at Belmont is where you should look, we've got the largest keelboat fleet on the lake, if you still like racing but prefer smaller fleets either RMYC Toronto or WASC at Wangi would be the go. If it's dinghys you're after then Belmont 16s (at Belmont) has a range of boats from Pelicans & Flying 11s for the juniors heading into Cherubs, 29ers, Lasers & 16ft Skiffs.

Most of us who post in this here thread have lived & sailed here for most of our lives so you'll be sure to get the answers to any questions you want answered. If I haven't covered anything you want to know just post here or hit me with a PM if you'd prefer.

[Loco.]

Hi cheers Gorn.

No solid plans yet. I am researching places to move back to without moving back to sydney (but also not being totally out of commute range). I ws looking sort of on the south side or middle (Wangi Wangi?) but now i'm taking a closer look it seems a bit industrial....

What size of keel boat fleet is there? Would a 40 be at the bigger end? I'm thinking about downsizing anyway.....

Thanks

[Gorn FRANTIC!!]

If you're looking around the Wangi area have a look at Fishing Point (where I live) Rathmines, Arcadia Vale too, Wangi is fine, I wouldn't call it an industrial area at all. There is an industrial estate near Rathmines but it's nowhere near housing.

At LMYC they race 4 keelboat divisions plus an Etchells class, around the 40ft mark is the top end of our Div1. We currently have 2 F40 OD's, Farr 36OD, BH41 and a Vismara 43 at the front end of our division, from there it filters back to a few boats in the 30-36ft range, we usually have around 8-10 boats in our division alone. From memory I think you may have a Sydney 40?? If so that would drop in nicely with that mix.

[Loco.]

Cheers. I just noticed a power station or two and wondered!

yeah sydney 40 - not sure I would bother bringing it back with me though.

Looks like a great area to sail.....

Is the water deep enough around fishing point off those private jetties to take 2-3m depth?

[Gorn FRANTIC!!]

There is a power station in Wangi but it has been decommissioned and inactive for many many years.

You could probably get 2-3m depth at a few of the jetties near the end of the point but I doubt there would be enough water along there to keep the 40 permanently on the jetty. If you're also looking for somewhere to keep your boat have a look at Marmong Point Marina, currently the best facilities on the Lake marina wise, and it's protected from all weather except the worst of the winter westerlies, and even then the boats are perfectly safe. it's where our boat and the other 2 F40's on the lake are currently based.

Certainly is a great area to sail, don't think I've ever met anyone who would disagree with that.

[mh111]

There is a power station in Wangi but it has been decommissioned and inactive for many many years.

You could probably get 2-3m depth at a few of the jetties near the end of the point but I doubt there would be enough water along there to keep the 40 permanently on the jetty. If you're also looking for somewhere to keep your boat have a look at Marmong Point Marina, currently the best facilities on the Lake marina wise, and it's protected from all weather except the worst of the winter westerlies, and even then the boats are perfectly safe. it's where our boat and the other 2 F40's on the lake are currently based.

Certainly is a great area to sail, don't think I've ever met anyone who would disagree with that.

ahhh...there is the small point of the swansea channel that you've forgotten to mention though !

cheers,

[Windward Mark]

The Lake is a greta place. if I could convince my wife I would be up there, out of Sydney in a flash. My pick of the places with the Sydney commute, sailing, housing quality, life etc etc in mind is Coal Point, on the west side near Toronto. Even if you keep your boat there, it is not far across the bay the LMYC.

The Swansea bar is a sh*tfight but it has been the same for more years then I have been alive and they are pretty well sorted getting in and out with a keel boat these days.

Do it, you wouldn't regret it. If power stations are your thing, then PM me, my wife's company insures the Earring station and I have a mate that works there.