The Halyard

Welcome to edition 07/2014 of the Halyard

Reminders and Special Notices

Members Comments on the proposed 2014/15 Sailing Calendar: Please download the proposed 2014/15 Sailing Calendar HERE – https://abyc.co.za/your-comments-on-the-201415-sailing-calendar-please/,  have a look at it and then post any proposals or suggestions or changes or clashes using the form on the above page – your input is sent to four members of the committee for their attention. Thanks for your cooperation in this and for any input you may have.

Upcoming Events

Sunday 25th May: Live music on the deck next Sunday.

Wednesday 28th May: What do Patagonian Ribs and Killer Whales have in common?

Live life vicariously through the lens of Lloyd Edwards as he takes you on a journey through Patagonia: see killer Whales beach to catch seals, the Land of Fire, the Beagle Channel, Mount Fitzeroy and more.

Where: ABYC
Date: Wednesday, 28 May 2014
Time: 18h00 to 19h00/21h00
Cost: R60.00 including a meal
Bookings: At the bar at ABYC/Club Secretary

Lloyd Edwards spent a month in Patagonia during January 2014. He says; “After arriving in Buenos Aires we did a 20 hour bus trip to Peninsular Valdez which is where the killer whales beach themselves to catch baby seals. We picked up a colleague’s vehicle and headed down the East coast of Patagonia. Some people describe this part of the world as a refrigerated wind tunnel!

Every few hundred kilometres or so we would hit some little sleepy coastal town and cruised out to see to see an awesome selection of marine animals on their breeding colonies. At the Southernmost point of the mainland we crossed the Straights of Magellan into Chile. This is the island of “Tierra del Fuego” or “Land of Fire” which is what the early seafarers saw from their ships. From here we travelled on to Ushuaia, the Southern most city on the planet at 55 degrees. This is the gateway to the Beagle Channel and from where the cruise ships leave for Antarctica.

We then retraced our steps and headed west to the famous Perito Moreno glacier which inches itself forward at two metres per day. From here we visited the trekking capital of the world at El Chalten and gazed in awe at the famous Mt Fitzroy. Fitzroy was captain of Darwin’s ship the “Beagle”. From here on it was North along the infamous RN 40 route. If you think our gravel roads are bad, think again!”

After the slide show join us for some Patagonian ribs, salads, veggies and chips.

See also: https://abyc.co.za/patagonian-ribs-and-killer-whales/

Sailing News

The start of the Noordhoek Race saw 4 boats jockeying the start line off Hobie Pier. With light north wind the fleet had spinnakers up early and maintained the bags to the turning mark off Noordhoek Ski-boat Club (again thanks to there assistance). A pleasant beat back to Cape Receife for the homeward stretch, the fleet where becalmed for a considerable time before the wind coming in from the east started to fill in. Again the spinnakers made for a glorious run to the finish at Hobie Pier where a large raucous crowd cheer the boats across the line in a very close finish.

Results: https://abyc.co.za/2014-noordhoek-race-results/

Welcome to edition 06/2014 of the Halyard

Reminders and Special Notices

• BOATOWNERS: Please ensure your vessel COF is current. Visit www.abyc.co.za “click” COF to download your checklist.
• RADIO LICENCE: As of the 01 July 2014 all new “Radio” licence applications – incorporating the NEW DIGITAL SELECT – will have to sit a 3 day course at an approved training centre (PE none. Siyalobe Training are investigating). Current Radio Licence holders (recreational) will have over a 2 year period to convert their licence after under-going supplementary training.

Upcoming Events

• Wednesday 14th May: Assistance is sought from ABYC members to assistance with “taking sailing to a new level”. There are exciting sailing events and challenges ahead for ABYC Sailing. Please join us this WEDNESDAY 14 MAY 2014 @ 17H30 in the Board Room.
• Sunday 18th May: Live music on the deck.
• Sunday 18th May: PROPOSED RACE – NOODEHOEK – MEDIUM DISTANCE. SKIPPERS: 09H00; START NOT BEFORE 10H00. Race is subject to sea state for the safe launching of ski-boats at NoodeHoek Skiboat Club – they lay the “TURNING MARK “!!!! Race times will be on ELAPSED TIME only = 00h00’00 “

Sailing News

Thanks to Gordon from The Tyneside Nautical Charts and Publications for supplying ABYC via the Due North Rum Club with 30 Barigo #107 graph sheets and 1 nib/stylis – stock #F51077-06R-01 for the historic Evening Post Barometer on the bar at ABYC

View From the Deck

Man Overboard in Cold Water – Published on May 6, 2014 by Capt. Jack McClurkin

With the ice cover on Lake Michigan this winter, sailors this year will experience cold water sailing well into summer. It is likely that surface water temperatures will be in the 40’s and 50’s in May and June. Although the air might be warm, the cold water is dangerous to the human body. For a study of the effect of cold water, a professor had some subjects jump into 45 degree water and attempt to swim just 30 feet.

None made it. Fortunately, they were accompanied by a trained Coast Guard swimmer in a dry suit. All subjects survived.

Here is what happens when the body is immersed in cold water. Within two minutes of immersion, an involuntary gasp reflex occurs. If the head is not above water when the gasp reflex occurs, there is the possibility that the person will not resurface. You may have read reports where a person went into the water and never resurfaced. Now you know one reason why this can occur.

From 2 to 10 minutes after cold water immersion, the involuntary part of the brain begins to realize that it is a bit too chilly. The body’s core temperature begins to drop. Then the brain acts to protect the organs by diverting blood away from the muscles. As a result, the muscles quit working. The arms and legs stop moving and won’t keep the person in the water afloat. You may have read reports of someone in the water who suddenly went underwater and never resurfaced. Now you know why. It doesn’t matter that you consider yourself to be an Olympic-class swimmer, the muscles stop working.

From 30 minutes to four hours after immersion, hypothermia sets in.

The first 10 minutes after immersion are critical for a person in cold water without floatation. If you are sailing under spinnaker on a screaming reach, it may well take all of those precious 10 minutes to return to the place where the person went overboard.

Here are some simple safety steps that sailors can take during cold water sailing to improve the survival chances of a person immersed in cold water:

1. Insist that all crew wear lifejackets at all times. No exceptions. Don lifejackets on the dock before boarding, and keep them on during the entire voyage. If a lifejacket is uncomfortable to wear, buy one that is comfortable. A stowed lifejacket is nearly useless. But when worn it can be very useful to keep the head out of the water during the gasp reflex, and to stay afloat when the muscles stop working, significantly improving survivability.

2. Before you leave the dock for the first time, make sure that all safety gear is onboard. This includes the delivery trip from the yard to the summer dock. A ring buoy, man overboard pole, radio, or Life Sling won’t do much good if you need it and it is still in storage.

3. On the first sail of the season practice a man overboard drill – not just a fender fetch. Practice as if the person in the water won’t be able to climb a swim ladder, and may not be able to attach the sling. Your drill needs to retrieve the fender with the Life Sling or harness and raise it onboard with a hoist or halyard. Repeat the drill when new crew members are aboard or at least monthly. If you arrive at the starting area of a race early, do a practice drill.

4. Know how to use the radio to call emergency services. In some areas 911 operators want to enter a street address to direct land-based emergency crews. This could be a problem if you are on the water and there isn’t an address in their database for the closest dock. Know the procedure in your area. A loss of core body temperature of only a few degrees is serious. Have the person who was immersed checked out by medical personnel.

5. Have all crew wear lifejackets at all times. Oh, am I repeating myself?

REGARDS

GRUMPY

Welcome to edition 05/2014 of the Halyard

Reminders and Special Notices

New Banking account for Subs, SAS, Hard Fees and 100 club draw is:

Nedbank Walmer
Branch 121517
Acc 1055222669

The banking account for Bar, Clothing, Friday night draw, new cards, keys, boat license and all vatable items will stay the same:

Nedbank walmer
Branch code 121517
Acc no 1215034393

Upcoming Events

Sunday 11th may: Live music on the deck next Sunday.

Sailing News

ALGOA BAY WEEK

Thank goodness for the 4 days allocated to the regatta as it took all 4 days to get the minimum 4 races to declare a regatta. PEDSAC Tuna Classic held over the same time clearly benefited! Glassy sea’s, no wind, and beating heat, frustrated the Racer Officer Ronnie Baer.

It was unfortunate that we did not receive sufficient entries from L26 owners. Nevertheless our 2 local L26’s were continually matching each other, as too the 2 Pacer 27’s. Jellybaby – J27 stamped her authority on the regatta from race 1 taking overall Class 1 and Line Honours. Malgas – L34 kept up the pressure on the lighter faster sport boats.

The Class 2 fleet was a continual battle between Tikalox 2 & Struan. Despite Struan giving everyone a lesson on how to sail a spinnaker, the maestro on Tikalox 2 crossed the finish line in their favourite position.

This years regatta 2 entries from BRYC – East London, joined the ABYC fleet and certainly enjoyed good sailing good company with Graham and Marian getting married!

ABYC Week Results.

Welcome to edition 03/2014 of the Halyard

Upcoming Events

• Sunday 2nd February – Live music on the deck next Sunday

Sailing News

• Wednesday 5th February – IN-PORT CHALLENGE 6 at 17h30: Sailors Hour plus Wors rolls for participants.
• Saturday  8th and Sunday 9th February – WEEK-END 08 & 09 ALL CLASSES REGATTA (dinghies) inside the Port. Great warm-up before the Knysna Inter-club.
• Sunday 9th February – RC CLUB SAILING – Sunday 09 at 13h00

SAILING CALENDAR CHANGES:

• The Night Race scheduled for Saturday 15 Feb. will not take place, as some sailors will be at Knysna. The “reserve” Saturday 22 February will be used.

Sailing Results

• Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd February – SIMITAR CUP SERIES: With Saturday blown out the yachts had a fun couple of races inside the Port. Sunday, 3 boats where at the start off-shore with a moderate SW for most of the sailing, with 3 races sailed. See www.abyc.co.za for the results.

View From the Deck
GRUMPY’S OBSERVATION – The reason women don’t play football is because 11 of them would never wear the same outfit in public

Welcome to edition 02/2014 of the Halyard

Reminders and Special Notices

• 100 Club Draw: The 100 club draw tickets are now due for renewal at a cost of R250 for the year for one ticket. Members to let the office know if you are taking the same numbers and to pay into the account number Nedbank Walmer Acc No. 1263104339 branch 121517 with member name as a reference please.
• Friday night draw: Friday night draw tickets are due for renewal, please let the office know if you taking the same numbers.

Upcoming Events

• Sunday 2nd February: Live music on the deck next Sunday.

Sailing News

• Saturday 1 February: NOTICE OF RACE – SCIMATAR CUP SERIES. SKIPPERS at 13h00. This is the last opportunity for “round the cans” racing before Algoa Bay Week in May.

Sailing Results

• Friday 24th January – Pier Dash: The race was delayed as the RO was MIA due to work. Five boats were on the water with a moderate SW. Unfortunately Chinook & Struan where disqualified for crossing the line to early, Wildthing was last seen heading off to Coega enjoying the sail with her asymmetrical, leaving Sewn& Jellybaby both with only 2 hands on-board. Jellybaby was ruthless showing no mercy taking both line honours and position comfortably.
• Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 – Red House Yacht Club Regatta, All Classes Inter-Club/Gypsy Nationals: ABYC was well represented in all classes and had good overall performance. Junior sailors Cameron Hills and Emma took 1st & 2nd respectively for the optimist with both sailing in some strong breeze on day 2. Young Charlie Hills sailing Laser had excellent early races showing some power sailing but had to accept a 4th place overall.In the Mirror Class the girls Ms Bailes & Van Wyngaardt enjoyed the tight sailing and settled for a 3rd overall. In the Gypsy Class mother Ziggy Bailes & Natashia Van Wyngaardt (1st time sailing in a regatta) maintained good positions throughout the regatta but had to settle for 3rd overall due to some good spills and splashes (both have war marks to prove). In the same class father & son Chad “depth-gauge” Jackson& Alex received the award for their “PERSERVERANCE” finishing 7th in a fleet of 10. Many thanks to the ABYC team for making the effort in supporting this regatta. Next Inter-Club at Knysna 15/16 February 2014
• Saturday 18th January 2014 – Bird Island Race: Swopping the St.Francis Race with the Great Circle Race turned out to be a great success. 8 boats where at the start line for the 00h05 start on Saturday off the Container Wharf, a moderate SW enabled the faster more completive boats to hoist spinnakers early. The wind dropped off considerably as the sun rose; the fleet had not yet rounded Bird Is. until mid morning.With the wind shift to a moderate SE with the occasional lulls, the run home relied on tactics and correct sail settings. On board Lady who by 09h00 was just past Sundays River, the 2 older chaps on-board took advantage of the sleeping younger crewman, after mental calculations decide to turn back for port with the excuse that the sleeping crewman was not looking well. Fling where facing a potential mutiny on-board and the concern that the previous night’s dinner from the one sea-sick crewman would not wash off the side of the hull, they too turned for home. Inyoni on the other hand returned back to moorings on Sunday morning 01h30, when last seen they were showing off their fishing catch. Somewhere out on the race track was Headway who were just enjoying the sail.With brand new sails Malgas has to be congratulated for an excellent performance (if she carries on like this the end of season prize giving will be very short and sweet).

  Click HERE for the results

View From the Deck:

Dear Ed

There’s a simple rule of thumb for wine pairing with your meal. If it tries to kill you, serve with red. If it runs away from you, serve with white.

Regards

GRUMPY

Welcome to edition 01/2014 of the Halyard

Happy New Year to all our members and readers. May 2014 be a year full of success and enjoyment and above all great sailing weather, cold beer and rugby in the bar and good food and great company on the deck. Have a great 2014!

Reminders and Special Notices

It is with great sadness that we report the death of long standing member, John Harvey. Our condolences go out to his family and close friends.

Friday Night Draw

The Friday Night Draw is back on Friday nights. Tickets will be billed at the end of the week.

Upcoming Events

• Tuesday 14th January: The first Ambiton draw of the year is on Tuesday the 14th Jan. Many thanks go out to our sponsors.
• Sunday 19th January: Live music on the deck next Sunday.

Sailing News

Saturday 18th January @ 05h00 sees the start of the Cape St Francis 3-in-1

This is a “Stop-over”race. Each leg is a race, and the combined 2 legs will be incorporated as a race over the weekend 18 and 19 January. The weekend of 25 and 26 January is a ‘reserve’ weekend.

The skippers briefing will take place on Thursday 16th January 2014 @ 1800

This is a SAS sanctioned race and the skipper has to be a paid up SAS member. The Port of Port St. Francis has very kindly opened their mooring to us at a nominal fee of R120.00 per boat for the night of the 18th. Payable at Skippers briefing. The carrying of “Life-rafts” is not mandatory but is encouraged. Boats with less than a “Cat C” clearance certificate wishing to participate, to contact John ASAP, who will take it to the review committee. Skippers with a “Day Skippers” ticket wishing to participate, to contact John ASAP, who will take to review committee.

This is an ideal opportunity for the “cruising” sailors to enjoy a real week-end of sailing plus enjoy an evening of fantastic “togetherness” gees.

In order to ensure sufficient moorings at the Port Of Port St. Francis, please will interested contestants confirm their entry as soon as possible.

View From the Deck

• Curmudgeon’s Observation: Dear Algebra, please stop asking us to find your X. She’s never coming back and don’t ask Y.