2019-2020 Season Opening
It’s only 3 weeks until Labour weekend and the AYC opening. I wont mention winter boat maintenance, which will now be all but complete.
Social Function
26th October -the opening function will be held at the clubrooms commencing 1800hrs. This will include a BBQ meal organised by Ali Chaney who has taken over as social convenor. All AYC members are most welcome to join in a celebration of the new season
Annual Sailpast
27th October- 1300hrs sail-past- once again our Commodore, Charl Chaney, will be on station at the end of the AYC jetty ready to salute the fleet and receive ‘greetings’ from the yacht crews. Non racing yachts, dinghies and launches are welcome to join in the fun.
Opening Day Race
27th October- The opening day race start is scheduled for 1400hrs. This will be a harbour course and is also the first race in the Blackcat series.
Handbook 2019-2020
The new seasons handbook will be available at the AYC during the weekend (providing subs are paid)
There are a number of changes in the Handbook including revised courses and sailing instructions so the 2019-2020 version is a must have on board during races.
A change to the start-line has been made to allow that a substitute mark1a can be placed on the day in order to decrease the bias that occurs with the existing startline in northerly winds. This is described in detail in SI 10.0
Sailing Programme
The racing programme for this season is below.
Changes include increased numbers of 2-Handed Races, and a Mark Foy invitation series of 2 races that will be held over the weekends when the Young88 and Canterbury Keelboat Championships are being held in Lyttelton
Handicaps
PHRF has been retained as the handicap system for the coming season, and it will be necessary to have a current PHRF certificate to get a result. Renewal of the PHRF certificate is a straightforward process online at the following link https://www.yachtingnz.org.nz/shop/phrf.
Safety
As a reminder all boats are required to comply with the YNZ safety regulations Category 5 for Harbour Races and Category 4 for Coastal Races. Entry in a race confirms acceptance by the Skipper of responsibility for safety compliance.
Peter Zwart has been appointed Health and Safety Officer for 2019-2020 and should be approached with any queries.
Finally best wishes from the Race Committee for an enjoyable, and successful 2019-2020 sailing season