Hi All

It might appear to be fairly quiet on the Nationals front, but rest assured, a lot has been happening behind the scenes.

Frostbite Series at MAC

This has been going pretty well with some tight competition. The first event saw Markus, Rick and myself tied for first with Stephen getting boned by shift in the last race to end 4^th. FYI, the only reason I got a first was because everyone else sailed to the wrong mark… Gabriel wasn’t having much luck in the light stuff, but we’ve tweaked his jib setup and he should hopefully be a bit quicker now.

It was good to see Nicholas and Dre join us for the second event. Markus & Dre decided it was a good time to test each other in the starting procedure which generally left the rest of us with an early get away but it wasn’t long before we were reeled in!

Unfortunately, I missed the last event (which featured perfect wind conditions for Extras) and will be missing this Sunday too as we’ll be in Mossel Bay, preparing for Lipton. Gabriel will be there, Darryl can sail now that his knee is getting better after his operation (which is good news) …and Nicholas…?

Extra Fleet

Sailed: 5, Discards: 1, To count: 4, Entries: 7, Scoring system: Appendix A

Pre-Nationals Prep

Check your strings, fittings, screws, slot tape, foils and sails. North is doing a special on jibs so contact Markus (082 957 2841 ormarkus@za.northsails.com) or Rick (082 830 9892 or rick@za.northsails.com). The sail design has been optimised and standardised, so now, with your new jib, you can just copy the settings off the fast guys… For any boatwork or touchups that you need done contact Stephen (083 658 2659 orzeekoei@iafrica.com). Please try to do this all in good time (like now)..!

How’s your trailer? Do you have one? The Extra transports very nicely on roof racks – and even better on someone else’s trailer. Try to organise a trailer now or at least a spot on someone’s double. If you are really in trouble, you can contact me (082 9200 924 or ian@gybeset.co.za). I’ll see what I can do…

Remember to put in leave for the Friday.

Nationals

Frank Stuyck from Port Owen and Admiral Island (that’s the housing estate/accommodation in the Promo Vid) has been putting in a lot of work.

Accommodation facilities to be finalised but there are guest houses available. We’re trying to book 1 or 2 big houses (hopefully in the Admiral Islnd estate) that can accommodate big groups. Camping is available on the grass outside the club.

POYC will be providing breakfasts, lunches at the launching area and a snoek braai on the Saturday night. Friday night will be a bring and braai. This will cost a bit extra and is unfortunately not included in the Entry Fee. Meal pricing to be finalised closer to the time.

We’ll be launching off a beach, right at the river mouth (between the breakwaters). This means that you don’t need to battle the current before and after racing. The area is easily accessible and loading and rigging can be done right there in the car park. A security guard will be on duty at night.

Event Sponsors so far: Garmin (2x online store discount vouchers), North Sails (jib discounts), Second Skins (sunblock sachets), Admiral Island(various). Without these guys the event would not be possible, so take note & support them where you can! (ie buy stuff).

On the sponsorship note, “Does anyone want to contribute in any way?” Now’s your chance!

We’d like to get some rash vests made but we need to pay for them – amongst other things. The idea is that they fit over your lifejacket etc, keeping windage down and all your loose clothing in check to stop it snagging on things (like the mainsheet). Sponsor logos will go on the back. Here’s a prelim:

Check out the Facebook event page: http://www.facebook.com/login/setashome.php?ref=login#!/event.php?eid=213585068681579

Almost everyone who has a boat has committed to attending (verbally). Hopefully we’ll all be there! It does make it difficult to find boats for potential new class members, so if anything has changed and if you can’t make the Nationals anymore, please consider lending out your boat and contact either myself, Markus or Stephen.

On the boat movement front, James Largier is seriously considering Alex Runciman’s boat while Mike Robb is trying to figure out how he can get Rodney’s old hull on the water with a tight budget. Stephen will hopefully get an order for 2 boats to go to the UK. Mark Sadler’s boat went to Durban. Rob Foreman has just bought a boat which adds to the fleet at IYC. I was able to get hold of some guys at Fisherhaven – they have 3 boats there and are considering joining us for the Nationals.

So, that’s about where we are right now.

More to follow!

Cheers,
Ian.

The Extra Nationals will be held in October from the 14th to the 16th. We have a great venue, hosted by Port Owen Yacht Club. Launching will be straight off the beach at the harbour entrance, so no need to sail against the current if you are late (hungover)…!

Catering will be taken care of by POYC, including lunchpacks – more details to follow.

Check the Facebook event for more details.

• Notice of Race
• Sailing Instructions
• Entry Form

See the details for this event on the ZVYC website, we’ve already got a couple of Extras confirmed…