FROM THE HELM

The idea behind the ABYC HALYARD is primarily to:

1. keep members informed about happenings regarding their club.
2. keep boat owners informed about Developments and progress regarding their moorings.
3. build good fellowship and camaraderie amongst the members.
4. foster and build the sport of PE sailing.

The ABYC HALYARD will be a monthly newsletter which will be circulated via email to all members and hopefully other interested persons. If you did not receive an emailed copy please contact me. Hard copies will be posted on the club notice boards, and sent to other sailing clubs and organizations related to sailing and or sea activities.

It is hoped that we will have regular contributors from within and outside of ABYC. All ideas, suggestions, assistance and any contributions will be welcome. Have a look at this month's layout. Study incidents that happened during The Great Circle Race. How yacht "Struan" bobbed there way around Bird Island, and how one yacht navigated the Sundays River in the dead of night, and, why the marine life on and around Brenton Rock had to evacuate. Take note from Phil Rademan's section on safety issues. Read about Mike van Wyk"s up coming England trip. We wish him and Phil good luck. "You know which burgee to fly."

Keep up to-date with forthcoming attractions as Ronnie Bear and his lively crew bring events and entertainment to our club.
The Marina monthly Newsletter will be incorporated with the ABYC HALYARD. Our Commodore, Ian Littlejohn, will keep us updated on issues pertaining to our club.

Other columns can be included but need "authors"/contributors; feel free to jump in here??? There is also a section for classifieds "Boat Yard" for members wanting to sell &/or buy BOAT RELATED GOODS or boats. Only items that are of benefit to yachting.

Finally, spare a thought for those of us that have just started our Coastal Skippers course, "may we endure with success". To those on the Day Skippers "Hang in, it gets worse".

Keep the sails full and the sheets cleated.

FROM THE PULPIT

Firstly a big thanks to all in putting this ABYC HALYARD together. It is something that the Yacht Club has needed for a long time, and I am sure with everyone's commitment, it will go from strength to strength. Algoa Bay Yacht Club has over the past few years gone through a very rough patch, the destruction of the clubhouse followed by the destruction of the marina. In many instances this would be the end of any club.
We have seen the opposite, we have a wonderful facility in our new building, which is only just starting to be used to its full potential. We are starting to see more and more people using the club for meals, for functions and just general enjoyment. A big vote of thanks must go to the House Committee who meet each week, and are trying many new ideas to bring about a new vibe within the club.

A big vote of thanks must also go to the Marina Committee who have reconstructed the marina at minimal cost to the marina owners. I am continually amazed at how stable the marina and the yachts are when the wind is blowing hard. I must also compliment Lars Strydom the new Marina Manager on the job he is doing on reclaiming the many parts of the marina still lying on the harbour floor.

Sean Wiseman and his team will soon be issuing next years Sailing Calendar. We have a lot of shiny well painted boats that need to go sailing, that's really what the club is about, boats on the water and bums on barstools. BUT, ABYC, WE HAVE A PROBLEM!!! WE NEED NEW MEMBERS!!! They are the answer to our present and future survival, and I urge each member to get a least on new member signed up this year. Thinks of the problems this would resolve if our membership was to double this year, more crew members, more people supporting functions, and more people generally enjoying this wonderful facility. If we doubled our membership it would also improve our finances, and would mean we could consider further improvements within the club.

REMEMBER, SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL YACHT CLUB, IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO!!!!
Ian Littlejohn ABYC Commodore

REGATTAS

1. The great circle race saw only one yacht "Struan", out of 5 complete the race. The race started in a brisk breeze and 3 +m swell, only to die later with the other yachts retiring and motoring back home. It was nice to see ladies crewing on many of the yachts: Struan - 1, Con Brio - 2 and Wattoo - 2.
2. A Under 25's race is scheduled for the 16 June 2010 - this is for keelers. The more youngsters's the bigger the browning points. Check notice boards for rules.
3. Possible medium distance: St Croix/Noordhoek. Watch notice board.
4. A Ladies Race for the 18 July 2010. Male crew will be permitted but must dress Drag.
5. Most weekends "Radio Controlled" sail racing off the lawn.
6. Entries for Cape to Rio are now open. Do we have contenders from ABYC???

THE GREAT CIRCLE RACE - St Croix, Bird Is, Bell Bouy

From the decks of "Struan": Starting just on 2150 we followed the fleet Fling, Con Brio, Lady and Wattoo, safely around St Croix Is. For most of the crews a new experience on a moonless night. With south-wester starting to abate, most of the fleet opted to go inshore towards Bird Is, while we chose a more off shore course, hoping to reach the Island early in the morning. With the wind dying the long haul to the Island became a cat and mouse game between sail settings and the wind. At first light and in 2 knots of breeze Bird Is light house could be discerned in the mist. We found a small 7 knot land breeze at 0600 but this was short lived, leaving us off Bird Is between Seal Rock and North Patch. There we drifted painfully slow recording a SOG of 900ft/1.5hrs. During this time we watched a chopper ferry in provisions to the research team on the Island. The decision of whether to retire or not was discussed. The crew felt that it was just as far to get back after retiring as to finish the race. The latter option was agreed upon. Clinging to the Bouy Weather forecast of 7-11 knots SE at 1400 and so began the "Bob". Keeping a weary eye on the breaking North Patch we "Bobbed". True to form the SE arrived at 1350 and soon we where chomping around Bird Is giving East Patch, Doddington and Whale rocks a wide berth. With them out of the way it was a gull wing slay ride, off the wind homeward bound, where at one time we clocked 11.4 knots surfing down the back of a swell. Finding Bell Bouy in dark with the back drop of city lights became somewhat of a mission. With the ringing of the bell on our starboard beam, we rounded and finished at 2050, 23 hours later. Back to the club, a cold beer and a welcome from the Vice Commodore Shaun Wiseman. Than home to sleep, fully dressed boots the lot.

Derek Bouwer

Brenton Rock Evacuation: We all know that with a race of this length and especially a night race the prudent skipper will plot a course noting the odd obstacle's i.e. islands and bits of floating rocks and occasional ship at anchorage. Course to Steer determined, the Good Ship Con Brio sailed off into the darkness. The skipper with his new hand held GPS, placed the said instrument alongside the binnacle (which house's the ships compass), oops, compass deviation just grew by 20 degree's, putting the vessel on a more easterly course and poor Brenton Rock in the way. Fortunately for the Rock there was some sense prevailing on board the attacking vessel. The skipper noticing that the other yachts where more in-shore than his position and checking the paper chart, about turned 90 degrees, much to the relief of the inhabitants of Brenton Rock.

Navigating Sundays River: Now ABYC Bridge will have you believe that they have documented proof that a yacht in this race was plotted as being at Colchester and then later at the N2 Bridge. Whilst this is not entirely impossible, it is not true. ABYC Bridge, whilst scoffing steaming hot pizzas washed down with a variety of intoxicating refreshments, received a relayed transmission from PE Port Control regarding the said yacht. Port Control relayed the message to ABYC Bridge incorrectly who in turn recorded it incorrectly. At 00h00 yacht "Straun" calls up the said yacht, supposedly in the Sundays River, at the request of ABYC Bridge for confirmation of position. After much to and fro'ing, it was agreed that the said yacht was in fact in the sea ahead of the fleet and not at the filling station at Colchester. Despite the on-duty petrol jocks reportedly having carried diesel down to the jetty at the caravan park. The said yacht still remains a mystery.

FROM THE SAFETY RAIL: Boat Safety for Guests

All too often, when the weather and conditions are fine and stable, a skipper is tempted to get underway immediately with out informing crew and/or guests about safety equipment and actions to be taken in the event of a situation arising. When such situations do arise it is too late to have that all important safety talk. Boat safety and the safety of your crew and guests is an important matter to be addressed from the start. Don't skimp on your responsibilities. Here are a few safety guidelines to show and tell guests and crew before casting off:

1. Make sure everyone has a life jacket. (ONLY WORKS WHEN WORN). Don't just tell them where they are, get them out and make sure everyone has one and have them try them on and make adjustments for a good fit.
2. Explain the use's of the life ring(s), dan-bouys, floating lights and coit.
3. Show everyone how to stop the boat. Assume, in the worst case scenario, that you are in the water or having a medical or other emergency. Sailing crew can likely stop the boat of return to you, but guests may not know what to do. Under sail, show them how to release the mainsheet and jib immediately to spill the wind and stop the boat (caution them about swinging boom and flogging sails). Under power, show them how to shut down the engine but before heading out to sea, and how to bring it to a stop.
4. Show everyone where fire extinguishers are located. If a fire where to break out, you might be too busy doing other things to fetch a fire extinguisher. Show guests and crew where they are and how to remove them from a mounting bracket.
5. Show the boat's radio and how to use it. Several kinds of emergencies might result in you being incapacitated and needing help. Emphasis on using VHF verse's cell phone. Port Control, NSRI and other boaters (and ships) will hear a radio distress call and react immediately. Have a Mayday and Pan-Pan instructional "calling card" close to your radio set.
6. Explain the plan if someone falls overboard. Falling overboard is most common boating emergency, a situation that requires immediate action from others in addition to the skipper. Explain to guests what to do if you end up in the water (if they are not sailors or boaters, the best they may be able to do is stop the boat so that you can swim to it). Highlight that you need their help if someone falls overboard. Explain the MOB procedure, and the need to keep sound minds. It requires a coordinated team effort. Does your boat have a MOB plan and are you practicing it regularly????
7. Then head out and have fun with confidence!

Phil Rademan

COWES WEEK & COMMODORES CUP - UK

Phil Gutsche's Landmark 43 Windpower, has been entered to compete in the 2010 Cowes Week Regatta and the 2010 Rolex Commodores Cup in the UK. Windpower is due to leave Cape Town on 10 June onboard Macshipping's "Green Cape". Mike van Wyk will accompany the yacht to Rotterdam where she will be offloaded and sailed to Hamble, UK. Cowes Week starts on 31 July and finishes on 7 August. 8 days of racing with an expected entry of over 1000 boats which will make for some exciting competition (rumours that ABYC based Proteus has entered are still unconfirmed).The crew will arrive during the preceding week and will be doing some intense practice to familiarise themselves with the tidal conditions of the Solent. Commodores Cup will start 15 August and run to 21 August. Commodores cup is an international regatta pitting nation against nation. South Africa will be represented by Windpower, Mike Bartholomew's King 40-Tokoloshe, and Rick Garret has chartered a J109. The format for this regatta consists of 6 inshore races, 1 round The Isle of Wight and a long distance race of approximately 250nm. Some interesting rules for this regatta: 50% of the crew must be nationals of the country they are representing, only 2 pro's per boat and they are not allowed to steer except on the long distance races but not at the start for the 1st hour of the race. No TV times have been advertised but both regattas can be followed on the internet: www.cowesweek.co.uk & www.commodorescup.rorc.org
Mike van Wyk.

JUNIORS AND DEVELOPMENTS

ABYC has entered 4 youngsters in the U19 J22 to be held at Hartebeespoortdam in the June holidays. Sarah Arnold (skipper), Thomas Ochabski, Matt van Rensburg and Jesse Martin. The J Class is not supporting the teams as per previous years, fuel for this trip is +-R3 500.00 plus. Any financial help will be appreciated.

There will also be a junior sailing course run at the club during the holidays from Monday 28th June till the Friday 2nd July. The day will run from 0900 till 1400 everyday. Course is open to all children between the ages of 10 & 16. Space is limited to 10 children unless you have your own boat. The cost is R400.00/child for the week. SAS certificates will be awarded from a SAS registered and accredited coach. For more info and bookings contact Darryl 0824638363

GALLEY & SALOON NEWS

Many members are not aware of the activities of the "House Committee" who get together twice a month and manage most of the "goings-on" in the club. Lead by Ronnie Baer, these folk really walk the talk.

You will have noticed that a BEAM has been erected across the open side of the deck (Screen to follow) to act as a wind- break and better utilization of that area. Pine strips will be inlaid between the planks on the deck, this will minimise wind up-draughts and breaking heels. Continental had a fantastic Wednesday night despite the boats not able to go out into the bay thanks to 30+easterly. If you know of any companies or business needing to have functions of what ever nature and/or will be interested in sponsoring Wednesday nights. Please leave details with Ann-Marie at the club office. Booking fees for functions are really ridiculously low.

The annual ABYC Prize giving for the 2009/2010 season will be 31 JULY 2010 -this will be a formal occasion. Ticket prices will be R125.00 per head (supper, glass of wine, live music and good time), so start pressing those suits, polishing the toe tappers and maybe look at getting a hair cut.

Every Friday night there will be live music for as long as the cost can hold out. The House committee will be also embarking on enhancing the Chartroom and creating a better ambience. The downstairs under utilized snooker room will be converted into a children's playroom.
The Chartroom will be visited by Brett Adkins of The Weekend Post. This visit will be unannounced and a review will be published in the newspaper. If you have a business and wanting some coverage by sponsoring an ad in the advertorial contact Monique of the House Committee.

MARINA

Reconstruction of the marina is continuing at a pace and we have all the spines that are needed for the completion of the 1st phase reconstruction in place. Two larger anchor blocks need to be placed on the south end of the north/south arm and the installation of two more fingers will complete the arm. Eight additional fingers need to be installed on the main east/west arm to enable us to accommodate all the marina owners who contributed to the reconstruction program. In order to achieve this, a number of vessels will need to be moved off the marina. These are those boat owners who either do not want walk-on's or wish to be placed on trots. Those who wish/need to go onto trots please liaise with the marina manager Lars Strydom, who will make the necessary arrangements. Please note that all costs of putting down the correctly specified trot moorings for the vessel in question is for the boat owner's account and sole risk.

Once this is complete, we will need to move a number of vessels around to achieve the planned marina layout, and in this regard, request the cooperation of all boat owners involved. We should be able to leave you in peace after this!

ABSM members may or may not be aware that we have small number of vessel on the walk-on who's owners did not make a "contribution to the reconstruction" as agreed at the last meeting of pre-storm marina owners. These owners will shortly be advised to make alternative mooring arrangements for their boats, or make application to buy a mooring at the current price of R50 000.00 for an 8m mooring finger plus R10 000.00 for additional 4m extension if required excluding VAT.

Salvage work of fingers and spines continues, and as these are recovered and repaired, will be installed on the south end of the north/south arm after the completion of the 1st phase reconstruction. The moorings created will become available for sale and/or berths for visiting boats. The fresh water reticulation system is planned to be installed shortly, and electrical distribution boxes have been ordered to up-grade the marina power system.

Once the 1st phase reconstruction is complete and all vessels are moored in their allocated semi-permanent berths, a planned general up-grade and/or replacement of sections of the marina as a whole will commence. This up-grade is over and above the current day to day maintenance that is required to keep the marina serviceable.

Thanks to all who have assisted the committee and management achieve what we have accomplished thus far. Your on-going co-operation into the future is always appreciated. Christopher Cocks

THE BOAT YARD (Classifieds)

LOST & FOUND: Found gold wedding band, ph Mrs Baer 041-3745362

HELP: Do you need help with a particular Yachting problem?? Put it here, there maybe someone with an answer.

CREW: Needed/Available

For any contributions, suggestions and advertising space etc, contact John Tudehope at tudehope[at]eject.co.za

John Tudehope.