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.

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

Extra Nationals is a go!

5-7 February, along with the 420’s. Most of us will need to take leave on the Friday as racing is scheduled to start at 10h30. Entry is R100 with an additional R70 for those who haven’t paid their subs yet…! We will be doing a phone around – it will be great to see everyone on the water again! If you guys won’t be sailing, please think about lending your boats out to guys who can.

The AGM will be held on the Friday after sailing.

See you on the water!

Ian MacRobert

Intasure: Intasure has recently got involved in sponsoring a few sailing events, such as the Simonstown Keelboat Spring Regatta & a team for the Lipton Cup. It is really refreshing when a company steps up to the plate like these guys & decides to support some local sailing events. Give these guys a call if you are looking at insuring your boat or anything else & show your support for someone who supports your sport…!

The Extra Class supports all sponsors of sailing and will publish brief write-ups by class members who are sponsored while sailing, subject to approval by the Committee

Next Points Series: The next points series is on the 17^th & 18^th of October at Voelvlei. Check it out http://www.vyc.co.za/This is one of the nicest places to sail: clean water, lots of space, cheap camping etc. Please consider sailing this event. It will be really good to have some decent numbers attending. Let’s keep up the momentum that we have gained…!

So far we have two teams entering: Thomas van der Ploeg and myself are sailing with a couple of non-class members, in an effort to convert them, and Ian Macrobert, Markus Progli and Stephen du Toit are entering as Team Intasure.

It would be great to see a strong Extra contingent at the event. Take a look at the event webpage for more information and get in touch with the committee to let us know if you are sailing or are looking for a team to sail in.

Dave Rae will be coaching Lasers & 420’s. The idea is to sail in their vicinity, but not interfere. We will lay one or two marks & sail a few windward / leeward courses or whatever else we feel like…

Also, once again, please confirm if you will be sailing so that I know who to contact if the weather looks too rough to sail.

Kind regards,

Ian MacRobert

We are still looking to sail extras out of FBYC on Tuesday 16^th June (Youth Day). What I need from you guys is a yes or a no as to whether you can make it on that day or not. It is the last day of a keel boat regatta in Gordon’s Bay, so a few guys will not be able to make it as it is. If we don’t sail on the 16^th, we’d like to sail on Saturday the 20^th – it is also FBYC’s closing cruise. Please indicate if you can make the Saturday or not. Unfortunately, we can’t leave our boats at FBYC as space is limited, so we’ll have to trail them home with us…

Thanks!

Ian MacRobert