The Illawarra Yacht Club has had some amazing results at the 28^th Annual Bay to Bay Trailable Yacht Race, from Tin Can Bay to Harvey Bay in Queensland. The race took place on the weekend of 3^rd and 4^th May 08.

IYC entered 7 boats and overall we had 3 boats win their divisions. Congratulations to all our skippers and their crew!

Winners

Charles Baker ‘Bakers Dough’ (son of Reg Baker) won the Sports Boat division.

‘Roaring Forties’ Lance Robinson (owner and skipper), Bob Bower (crew) and Reg Baker (crew) won the Noelex 25 Division.

‘Pipe Dreams’ with skipper Scott Leslie and crew Colin Skinner and Evan Castle won the Seaway 25 Division on PBH (Personal Best Handicap).

Other Boats entered that also went well

‘Nirvana 7’ Keith Wilson (owner and skipper)

‘Harmony’ Warrick Taylor (owner and skipper)

‘L’dle Miss’ Peter Liddle (owner and skipper) crewed by his wife, two daughters and son.

‘Pineapple’ Colin Pender

TY's

OPEN DIVISION

29er's

SAILABILITY

WATER SKI DIVISION

JUNIOR LEARN TO SAIL COURSES.

WHEN? Sundays from 10am until 12 pm.

Lessons begin late in October and continue until early April with a break over the summer holidays.

WHAT AGES? 6 ( absolute minimum if your child is very water confident) to 17 YEARS.

WHAT BOATS ARE USED?

Lessons are conducted on Skyriders which are small, plastic, sturdy, lightweight and unsinkable boats which are easily rigged in a few minutes. These can be sailed with two smaller children with one working the sail and one steering, but can be sailed easily by one larger or more advanced student.

Sabots are a 2.44m dinghy with a single sail which sailors can use when they feel confident, either solo or two-up.

Flying ants are the next level and keen kids are sometimes given a chance to crew on these small skiffs which are like a scaled down version of the 18 footers that sail on Sydney Harbour. They have a trapeze for the crew and are very exciting to sail in a moderate breeze. Minimum age is 8 for this class.

COACHES? The main coach is Kevin Middleton who can be contacted at the Yacht Shop on 42764220 or ring 0409820377 evenings to contact the Junior Commodore.

SAFETY CONCERNS? There are always rescue / coach boats on the water ready to help and pick up children. Parents often assist in this and can qualify to drive the rescue boats by doing a course with the club.

REQUIREMENTS: Children need to join the club ($3) and be competent swimmers. The weekly cost is only $2 and is collected on the day. A buoyancy vest must be worn along with foot protection like old joggers. A wetsuit is good protection against sunburn and chill on cooler days if you have one. Sunscreen is essential even on cloudy days.

Feel welcome to come along and have a look and a chat if you feel unsure about anything.

Information for 2008/09 FLYING ANT NATIONALS

2008/09 results

2008/09 photos