For full results, follow the link below:

I Prova Laser SB3 2012

Weather
If we had been at Hammo this year we’d have had a great regatta. I’ve attached the Met observations from Hamilton Island airport for December , and highlighted the days of the regatta. Of course it’s not next year and any guarantee that the met will be like this is not offered !! However , Hammo in December is more often than not , a regatta paradise.

In East Coast Australia this year ( Especially Queensland East Coast ) we are again in the La Nina phase of the weather patterns. ( very simply…La Nina / El Nino are names given that relate to the direction of current on Pacific equator and on West South American coast that affects the water temperatures there and here in East Coast Australia and the Pacific in general ) La Nina to us means more rainfall , more instability etc. It is typical that we get more cyclones and floods. However this is the 3rd year of the La Nina cycle and typically it is moderating. We can likely expect a mild La Nina cycle next year or even the first year of the El Nino effect ( we get warmer , drier weather and possible droughts )…the other indicators ( Southern Oscillation Index ) are also pointing to a weak La Nina in 2012 with a possible transition to an El Nino year in 2012/2013.

What this means , if it eventuates as expected , is a milder wet season ( late 2012 and early 2013 ) for Queensland. Good news for us , typically  this year to date has not been as wet as last.

The met I’ve provided shows the wind in kmh ( so divide by 1.8512 to get knots ) , as you can see there was very little rain during the month ( by our standards ) , and what there was fell during short periods during storms or frontal events.

We would have lost no days due to too little or too much wind , temps were not high ( maybe a degree or two down on what we’d normally expect ).  All was good regatta wise.

Hamilton Island Weather Observations December 2011

Shipping
No new news as yet , am awaiting advice from our container shipping company as to containerised rates , I expect this shortly ( and yes I know I have advised that for last month or so but it is coming !! ). I do expect this rate to be less per boat than that we have offered for RoRo.

Accommodation
I suggest you start looking at accom now but hold off booking anything for a few months , it is likely we will be able to release accom at Whitsunday Holiday Apartments in the New Year. These are apartments that sleep up to 5 , overlook Casteye Beach , have kitchen etc etc and offer great value. They do not include a buggy BUT are within walking distance of everything in the resort that matters. I will be putting out accom suggestions as soon as we have this online.

Entry
The NOR and Entry fee is ready , we are in negotiation with a major Event partner , I expect that this will come to fruition in next 6 weeks. If it has not , we will publish the NOR and open entries at that time.

Flights
No more news as yet , great deals can be had on Air Asia out of London Gatwick into Melbourne and then a separate ticket to Hamilton Island. Worth looking at this as it is very cheap. Air Asia are a no frills service , flying Airbus A330. The danger with this is its nota  through ticket and may mean an extra days travel into and out of Melbourne. They are regarded as reliable and safe in our part of the world. I do expect to be able to offer a mainstream airline at good prices soon.

Fun on the island
The island offers a multitude of tourism and fun attractions. You can bowl in the new bowling lanes ( Kiegel bowling ) , Mini Golf , Driving Range , real Golf ( one of the world’s most scenic and challenging courses on adjacent Dent Island – owned by the resort and linked by 10 minute ferry ride ) , Go Karts , Shooting Range , Jet Boats , Fishing , Picnics , Tennis , Gymnasium , Video ( Movie ) hire , Spa and Beauty ( 2 ) , Beach Cricket , Volley ball , Reef Tours , Restaurants , Take Aways , Kayaks , Fishing boat hire , Evening Dining Cruises , Catamaran hire , Paddle Board hire , and the list goes on…..

Catering
Self Catering accom is the best option on the island , there are two mainland supermarkets that offer a cheap delivery service to Hammo. It needs to be booked a few days in advance.  To give you an idea check out

www.colesonline.com.au                  or                     www.igaairliebeach.com.au/index.php

With a core fleet of 6 SB3’s enjoying competitive racing for the last 2 years in the wonderful Colne & Blackwater estuary location we are now looking to step up to the next level by attracting interested owners and crews to establish a larger and sustainable racing fleet.

There is a thriving racing community at Brightlingsea from both the Colne Yacht Club (cruisers and sport boats) and Brightlingsea Sailing Club (racing dinghies & catamarans) and Brightlingsea has been host to many national and world class events for various classes. The use of both fixed line and committee boat starts enables a combination of ‘round the cans’ and ‘windward/leeward’ courses to suit all weathers and tastes and get the best out of these exciting and exhilarating boats.

SB3’s are stored securely in the ‘Park & Ride’ boat park (mast up) and launched by the town jetty using tractors operated by the ‘Park & Ride’ team. This efficient system is both fast and affordable and allows the boats to be well kept and sailed to their optimum intended performance.

The ‘Park & Ride’ package for both summer and winter storage.

• Secure storage in the boat park (1 April to 31 October)
• Unlimited launch & recovery cycles (1 April to 31 October)
• Secure winter storage (1 November to 31 March)
• Additional launch & recovery cycles (1 November to 31 March)

Brightlingsea Boat Park & Ride SB3 Dry Sail Package for 2012

• April to October with unlimited launch & recovery cycles £1,100. (inc. VAT)
• November to March winter storage to be negotiated
• Additional launch & recovery cycles £20. Per. Launch & recovery
• Alternative winter storage facilities are also available for Colne Yacht Club members at their boatyard .

Colne Yacht Club Membership

Membership of the Colne Yacht Club is open to nominated members for a current joining fee of £100.00 and annual subscription of £185.00. This friendly and active club offers excellent year round facilities with bar and restaurant service throughout the season and a fantastic balcony to enjoy the waterside view. Please visit www.colneyachtclub.org.uk for more information or contact the club administrator on 01206 302594.

A full race programme is planned for the 2012 season with a mixture of round the cans and windward/leeward courses, from April to October, with social events. The programme is designed to recognise the fact that many crews have other weekend family and sporting commitments so it affords the flexibility to commit to sections of the programme or, for the really enthusiastic, the whole series. For those travelling any distance where possible early starts will be avoided.

SO COME AND JOIN US, HONE YOUR SKILLS AGAINST EX OLYMPIC SAILORS AND WORLD CHAMPIONS.

Contact:
Colin Willett
E-mail: cw@cvpltd.net
Tel: 01206 305402
Mobile: 07885 593904

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Racing will take place over 3 days, Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May. 3 races are scheduled for Friday and Saturday with just two on Sunday allowing time for the prize giving and everyone to return to their home ports.

The Vice Admirals Cup is the first of a number of Laser SB3 events that will take place in the Solent during 2012. Shortly after the V.A.C. the Laser SB3 fleet will be taking part in the Royal Southern Yacht Club’s 175 Year Anniversary Regatta on 2nd and 3rd June before making the trip to the eastern Solent for the annual Seaview Yacht Club gathering of the class.

2012 is shaping up to be a really exciting year for the class. The National Championships will be hosted in mid June at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy, just ahead of the closure of the venue for the Olympic Games. Cowes Week will no doubt be as popular as ever and in the third week of September, the European fleet will gather for their Championships at Medemblik, Netherlands where approximately 70 boats are expected to compete for the European Championship title.

Hamilton Island, Queensland, Australia will host the 2012 Laser SB3 World Championships from 12th – 20th December. Highly subsidised shipping will encourage a good turn out of European entries for the fifth World Championships of the class in one of the world’s “sailing paradises”.

2012…..let’s be havin’ ya!

Racing will take place over 3 days, Friday 18th, Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th May. 3 races are scheduled for Friday and Saturday with just two on Sunday allowing time for the prize giving and everyone to return to their home ports.

The Vice Admirals Cup is the first of a number of Laser SB3 events that will take place in the Solent during 2012. Shortly after the V.A.C. the Laser SB3 fleet will be taking part in the Royal Southern Yacht Club’s 175 Year Anniversary Regatta on 2nd and 3rd June before making the trip to the eastern Solent for the annual Seaview Yacht Club gathering of the class.

2012 is shaping up to be a really exciting year for the class. The National Championships will be hosted in mid June at Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy, just ahead of the closure of the venue for the Olympic Games. Cowes Week will no doubt be as popular as ever and in the third week of September, the European fleet will gather for their Championships at Medemblik, Netherlands where approximately 70 boats are expected to compete for the European Championship title.

Hamilton Island, Queensland, Australia will host the 2012 Laser SB3 World Championships from 12th – 20th December. Highly subsidised shipping will encourage a good turn out of European entries for the fifth World Championships of the class in one of the world’s “sailing paradises”.

2012…..let’s be havin’ ya!

Laser SB3 Solent Series Results 2011

Congratulations guys, a truly excellent result!

Laser SB3 Solent Series Results 2011

Congratulations guys, a truly excellent result!

Following beer and pizza a 40 minute presentation was given which was followed by an open question and answer session. The presentation covered a range of points including; an overview of the boats, opportunities for the 2012 season, berthing & launching facilities, available boats and sponsorship opportunities. Feedback from those that attended would suggest that the evening was a success and we are now aware of a further 2 definite owners presently looking for boats as well as 4 other individuals or syndicates giving the opportunity serious consideration.

At the request of some of the attendees we will be holding a demo sail weekend on Saturday 26th November between 11:00 – 14:00 (weather dependent) where interested owners and crew can come and try out a boat.

If you are interested and have not already registered for a demo sail, can you please email Douglas Paton (douglas_paton@hotmail.com) with your preferred time.

Aside from strengthening the local class the focus now turns to securing a class sponsor for the boats in 2012 and finalising details for the 2012 Laser SB3 Scottish Championships due to be held at the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series. Interest has been received from as far as Holland and Belgium for this event and we look set to welcome competitors from England and Ireland for what is sure to be a great Scottish Championship.

Following beer and pizza a 40 minute presentation was given which was followed by an open question and answer session. The presentation covered a range of points including; an overview of the boats, opportunities for the 2012 season, berthing & launching facilities, available boats and sponsorship opportunities. Feedback from those that attended would suggest that the evening was a success and we are now aware of a further 2 definite owners presently looking for boats as well as 4 other individuals or syndicates giving the opportunity serious consideration.

At the request of some of the attendees we will be holding a demo sail weekend on Saturday 26th November between 11:00 – 14:00 (weather dependent) where interested owners and crew can come and try out a boat.

If you are interested and have not already registered for a demo sail, can you please email Douglas Paton (douglas_paton@hotmail.com) with your preferred time.

Aside from strengthening the local class the focus now turns to securing a class sponsor for the boats in 2012 and finalising details for the 2012 Laser SB3 Scottish Championships due to be held at the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series. Interest has been received from as far as Holland and Belgium for this event and we look set to welcome competitors from England and Ireland for what is sure to be a great Scottish Championship.

For the 2012 Laser SB3 Scottish Championships, the class are going to Loch Fyne to take part in the Scottish Series event. Here the class will benefit from their own one design class start and nine windward-leeward Races over 3 days organised by the Clyde Cruising Club. There will be free craning on 2nd & 4th June provided by Macleod Construction. The class will also benefit from free berthing at the new Portavadie Marina, PA21 2DA (www.portavadiemarina.com). We have provisionally booked out the bunkhouse accommodation block in the very nice new development at the marina exclusively to the class. We intend to have class socials held between tarbert an portavadie with the added help of the water taxi service.

For further information contact Scottish SB3 Rep Doug Paton: douglas_paton@hotmail.com

Scottish Champs Flyer

For the 2012 Laser SB3 Scottish Championships, the class are going to Loch Fyne to take part in the Scottish Series event. Here the class will benefit from their own one design class start and nine windward-leeward Races over 3 days organised by the Clyde Cruising Club. There will be free craning on 2nd & 4th June provided by Macleod Construction. The class will also benefit from free berthing at the new Portavadie Marina, PA21 2DA (www.portavadiemarina.com). We have provisionally booked out the bunkhouse accommodation block in the very nice new development at the marina exclusively to the class. We intend to have class socials held between tarbert an portavadie with the added help of the water taxi service.

For further information contact Scottish SB3 Rep Doug Paton: douglas_paton@hotmail.com

Scottish Champs Flyer

Laser SB3 World Championships 2012 Who’s Coming to Sail in Paradise

As more information becomes available, this document will be updated and republished.

There are still a number of question marks over shipping, simply because the shipping companies haven’t set their rates yet, and we are unwilling to commit to a “guestimate”. However for planning purposes, a guide price is included in the attached document.

Laser SB3 World Championships 2012 Who’s Coming to Sail in Paradise

As more information becomes available, this document will be updated and republished.

There are still a number of question marks over shipping, simply because the shipping companies haven’t set their rates yet, and we are unwilling to commit to a “guestimate”. However for planning purposes, a guide price is included in the attached document.

Download the UK fleet 2012 Event Calender below. Calendar highlights include the National Championships at WPNSA, the 2012 Olympic Sailing Venue just ahead of the Games!

UK Calender 2012 V9

UK Calender 2012 V9

01 GRB 3058 Pollard
02 NED 3511 van Driel (MXT3)
03 GBR 3027 Darling (Darling Associates)
04 GBR 3510 Williamson (Huttons)
05 GBR 3060 Reed (Finitor 7)
06 GER 3561 Dohrendorf (Razzmatazz)
07 BEL 3472 Schoenmakers (Los Zapateros)
08 GER 3600 Schoeder (Isabella III)
09 GER 3573 Gielen (Vinatas)
10 NED 3470 Buitenhuis (Cube)
11 NED 3441 Gast (Rivium)
12 GBR 3289 Lossie (TWERK)
13 NED 3446 Beekman (JSBtje)
14 FRA 3078 Renault
15 NED 3555 Hameeteman (Transparts)
16 NED 3158 Stam (Voyager)
17 NED 3219 Scherrens (Cafe Sport)
18 FRA 3423 Russo (Morpheus)
19 FRA 3163 Durozey (Little Wing)
20 ITA 3161 van Dijk (Caveman)
21 BEL 3518 Elleboudt (Tacktonic)
22 GER 3475 Belterman (Stine)
23 BEL 3311 Jonckheere (Selden)
24 NED 3585 van der Elst (Fakey)

There were the expected sceptics when the high profile SB3 Dart made its initial debut under the Oceanburo banner however the class has continued to attract attention with fleet numbers growing throughout Australia.

The strict design pedigree and the flighty nature of this ‘clone’ class where the hull, sails, rig and mechanics are identical which provides all crews with an even chance off the start line has and will continue to attract the attention of the sailor who is searching to master a supreme personal challenge.

Queensland class stalwart Rod Jones held a personal vision that the exciting SB3 Dart would successfully fill an important place on the Australian regatta circuit.

His personal passion and vision to develop a one-design class of sailing for all Australians will be rewarded when the World championship (the first to be contested outside of Europe) is decided at Hamilton Island in December 2012.

Meanwhile the Australian crews which are expected to include Olympic helmsmen Nathan Outteridge (49er) and Matthew Belcher (470) will have a selection of major regattas to refine their skills before they face the starter’s orders on the windy Whitsunday Island waters.

“There is a growing interest in the class and we are expecting strong fleet numbers to contest the major regattas including the 2012 Australian championship in Tasmania next February”. Rod Jones said.

The talented ocean racing skipper Rod Jones who combined with his Mooloolaba mate Greg MacAllansmith and the multiple World championship winning helmsman Glenn Bourke to finish 4th in the 2011 SB3 Dart World championship in England are naturally accepted as the crew to beat after their runaway Queensland championship win at Hamilton Island last August.

However while this trio are presently ranked as the crew to beat they know from experience that past reputations can only be protected with winning on the race course.

The intense regatta campaign for the Queensland champions in Club Marine Blue commences with the Geelong Race Week on Corio Bay in late January followed by the Australian Championship on the River Derwent in February and their State championship defence at the Southport Yacht Club Sail Paradise regatta in March.

They have including the New South Wales championship at Port Stephens in their racing log for April as the final regatta before contesting the Wintersun championship series off Mooloolaba Beach during June and July.

By then the Club Marine Blue racing team of skipper Glenn Bourke, and his Sunshine Coast sail handlers Rod Jones and Greg MacAllansmith should have a guide on the boat speed and tactical standard they will have to produce to improve on their fourth at the 2011 Worlds when the tactical ‘slug fest’ for the 2012 World crown begins off Hamilton Island in late December. — Ian Grant

The social evening will provide a great opportunity to share news and information on the development of the Laser SB3 class on the Clyde. Representatives from James Watt Dock Marina, Laser SB3 Class Association, local Yacht Clubs and SailLaser will all attend the evening and will be on hand to answer questions.

If you are interested in owning, co-owing or just getting involved by crewing with the Laser SB3 class in Scotland, please come along. If you are able to attend, please contact Doug Paton by e-mail. douglas_paton@hotmail.com

A fleet proposal document has been published. Click here to review the proposal.

It is the intention of the class to hold the 2012 Scottish Championships within the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series. Discussions are under way with the Clyde Cruising Club and Portavadie Marina. The Notice of Race will be published in early 2012. There is already interest in the Scottish Championships from North and South England, Ireland and Holland; we look forward to welcoming competitors.

The social evening will provide a great opportunity to share news and information on the development of the Laser SB3 class on the Clyde. Representatives from James Watt Dock Marina, Laser SB3 Class Association, local Yacht Clubs and SailLaser will all attend the evening and will be on hand to answer questions.

If you are interested in owning, co-owing or just getting involved by crewing with the Laser SB3 class in Scotland, please come along. If you are able to attend, please contact Doug Paton by e-mail. douglas_paton@hotmail.com

A fleet proposal document has been published. Click here to review the proposal.

It is the intention of the class to hold the 2012 Scottish Championships within the Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series. Discussions are under way with the Clyde Cruising Club and Portavadie Marina. The Notice of Race will be published in early 2012. There is already interest in the Scottish Championships from North and South England, Ireland and Holland; we look forward to welcoming competitors.

To LIKE the page, click here