RNYC ANNIVERSARY DINNER DANCE
Wow, what a really great evening. Those who attended had a most enjoyable evening dancing the night away to the music from an excellent band, enjoying some fine fare that the Club Chefs provided, and generally relaxing in a convivial atmosphere where the staff all pulled together to make the evening so memorable. It's not often that the dance floor is full as the band strikes up, and stays that way until they have a break - but with some really good dancers as members, and those who merely 'do their duty' on the dance floor, there was jostling for position. The following provided prizes for the evening, for which we are grateful: Freddie van Vuuren of Brandhouse for the Bells welcome drink, prizes and hamper
Leo Kroone of Phezulu for a game drive
Charlotte van der Walt for a pamper hamper
Mesha Wright of Cherish for a massage voucher
Barry Meehan & Devra Smith of Creative Events for Durban Boat Show tickets
Marion Langlois for the champagne
Ingrid Langlois for a beauty voucher
Sandy Ostendorf for producing the menu & programme.
The anniversary dinner dance will become a permanent fixture on the Club calendar in the future.

WINDHOEK DRAUGHT BEER NOW IN THE BRITANNIA ROOM
Good news for those who love imbibing a really cool Windhoek Draught beer in those stunning tall glasses, is that your avourite tipple is now available in the Britannia Room (upstairs) bar after a lengthy absence. So, why not head up the stairs, park yourself on a comfortable bar stool and enjoy the stunning views we have over the bay and Durban Marina as you sup on a cool Windhoek Draught.

A WELCOME DONATION TO RESCUE
Julian King, winner of the R2000 first prize in the Club draw last week has donated his winning to the Rescue Fund. There is no doubt that the rescue guys appreciate this, as do those who they may rescue. The Sailing Committee in conjunction with the rescue guys are making a concerted effort to boost the Rescue Fund coffers as there are projects in the pipeline, such as a new bridge boat, which need funding. So, please give generously - and thanks to Julian for leading the way. Thanks to Julian for leading the way.

NEW PORT REQUIREMENT
The port requires a list of all skippers with a DOC together with the names of their boats to be kept on record at port control. Please will all members holding DOCs (or Pilots Exemptions, as the DOC was previously known) e-mail ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) the following information by the 26 June 2009. The port will not allow you to exit the harbour if you're not on the club list:
Your Name
ID number
Date DOC or PE issued
Boat name

LASER MASTERS
Gregg Dobson reports:. RNYC members Patricia Kilburn and Gregg Dobson sailed in the Laser Masters regatta hosted by Island Sailing Club last weekend. The format of the regatta is different to normal racing events, as there are separate "age groups", namely apprentice masters, masters, grand masters, grand grand masters and a ladies category. After waiting for the wind to make an appearance, twenty five 40 to 75-something year olds set off down the silt canal towards the bayhead racing area early on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately the wind did not settle in and the fleet adjourned to the sandbank at the windsurfing hut for lunch and beverages served by the ladies from ISC. The wind deserted us completely and the fleet was towed back to the club for a braai and more welcome drinks - being towed making for thirsty sailors! The camping sailors woke up on Sunday to a steady 10-12 knot South Westerly breeze promising a fine day's racing. Five extremely close and competitive races were held. Olympic style triangle-sausage-triangle courses were sailed with there being only one general recall. (A well behaved fleet!) An interesting feature of the regatta is that protests are not allowed. A simple on-water acknowledgement or an after-race drink being bought sufficing as apology for any on-water transgressions of the rules. For the record the club members more than held their own with Patricia finishing 2nd in the ladies and Gregg 3rd in the masters division. Hopefully next year more RNYC members will partake in a thoroughly enjoyable event. The overall winner being Alan Keen from Cape Town. A thank you to Colin and Andrew from Professional Yacht Training for arranging the transport of the boats to and from the venue, and to Tim and the members of Island Sailing Club for organizing a memorable event.

CREW LOOKING FOR  VASCO BERTH
Colin Becker says: "A sailing mate of mine, Matthew M'Crystal, is keen and available to sail the Vasco da Gama delivery and race. It would be appreciated if you can pass this note around to others involved in the Vasco this year. Please let him or I know of any suitable berths available. Matt has a lot of experience sailing keelers and dinghies - mostly inland - plus several MSC and other coastal regattas. He is most competent at the helm and sail trim, and can fill any position on a boat. I currently sail with him on the Farr 38 Madame Pazzazz at the Vaal Dam. He will gladly provide more info on his experience and abilities - just give him a shout.
Name: Matthew M'Crystal
Age: 23
Phone: 0828332292
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

QUANTUM SAILS ANNOUNCES "LIVE THE DREAM" CONTEST
Quantum Sails has begun accepting entries to win an all-expenses-paid trip to be part of the crew on board TP52 Quantum Racing for the Audi MedCup event in Portimao, Portugal. The regatta will take place on August 18-23, 2009. To enter, ponder this: "Have you ever dreamed of racing on a grand prix yacht at the highest level? Here's your chance. Tell us why you should be the one to come to Portimao and live the dream." Essays up to 300 words accompanied by one photo, or video essays of less than two minutes will be accepted. The entry form will go live on the QuantumSails.com website on Friday, allowing participants from around the world to submit their best stories. A judging panel will narrow down the finalists, and then, for one week in mid-July, the public will be invited to pick their favourite to determine the winner. The winner will receive a round-trip airline ticket from their nearest major airport to Portugal on August 14, 2009, ground transport, ten nights at the four-star Tivoli Marina Hotel in Portimao, three days of practice and six days of racing (weather permitting) on the TP52 Quantum Racing along side top professionals in the world of yachting, including 2008 Yachtsman of the Year, Terry Hutchinson. The winner will be a full member of the racing crew and will be involved in all team activities. Quantum Racing crew gear will also be provided, along with full access to the Audi MedCup village, crew facilities, and special events. For additional information, and to submit an entry, visit quantumsails.com.

TEMPORARY MEMBERSHIP SWIPE CARDS
Members who have Temporary Cards WILL have problems with the new Point-of-Sale system which does not accept them. If your card does not work you will need to get a new one - so please speak to Liz. Otherwise please check with the Britannia Room barmen (upstairs) as your new cards which have been ordered have been left there for collection. This problem is being sorted out by the vendors.

SUNDAY LUNCH AT THE RNYC - this Sunday - 14 June
With Durban's best weather currently prevailing, the RNYC is the place to be on weekends. Some members may not be aware that Sundays are very pleasant days at the RNYC - as is every day.But Sundays are special for those who like to sit outdoors and enjoy the sunshine and views across the bay over a good meal and a few drinks. Members are encouraged to make use of the facilities. Plus, for those who enjoy a more traditional ‘Sunday Roast' the Sunday Carvery in the dining room is an absolute winner as it offers a wide choice of starters and roasts - and is exceptional value. But, it is popular so members should book early to avoid disappointment.

PLEASE DON'T FEED THE MONGOOSE
The Club has inherited a mongoose which is becoming far too friendly, especially when there is food around. The General Committee has sought advice in this regard and the experts are adamant that it should NOT be fed at all. Please note that it could also be a carrier of rabies. Members are requested not to encourage this animal onto the premises - despite the fact that it maybe be "sooooooooo sweeeeeeet"

The RNYC and PYC recently co-hosted a race to Richards Bay with the return race last weekend. Four boats entered the race to Richards Bay. Skitzo, Kimaya, Alacrity and Windforce set off in a very light breeze which unfortunately died to a calm, leaving the boats becalmed off Durban North at sunset. After some inter-boat consultation the Skippers decided to abandon racing and motor sail to Richards Bay. The Steamship Cup for the return race started off Richards Bay at 14h00 last Saturday. Four competitors, Skitzo, Kimaya, Alacrity & Majimoto, set off in a moderating south westerly breeze and lumpy sea. The wind continued to moderate and swing to the west, but was sufficient for three of the four boats to finish off Durban in glorious conditions. Skitzo helmed by Nigel Miln beat Kimaya by 20 minutes on corrected time in division A to win the Union Castle Lines Steamship Cup. Alacrity retired in division B allowing Majimoto sailed by the Marshall family to win the Winter Flotilla Cruise Trophy. Foxy Lady left Durban at 03h00 on Saturday but arrived an hour too late to start the race. Her crew had a great sail to Richards Bay in the fresh south westerly breeze. Chris Sutton likened sailing a RCOD in those conditions as akin to being given a free ticket for the day at an amusement park. A big thank you to Fiona and Charles at the Zululand Yacht Club for their assistance and for making the visiting boats feel so welcome. After the race this Sunday the crews enjoyed the fantastic weather to have a few beers on the club's lawns and listen to the band play some music.
Trio Interclub Challenge
A reminder to get your entries in by Friday 5 June for the Trio Interclub Challenge to be sailed on 13 - 16 June. There will be IRC Provincial classes for large racing boats with a TCF over 1.015, small racing boats / sports boats and cruising boats. The winner of the Trio Interclub Trophy will be the club with the best combined result from the large and small racing / sports boats. At the same time the Hobie 16s and Flying 15s will be hosting their provincial championships. All keelboats will need to revalidate their IRCs before the regatta. DAC will be defending their title with the J105 and a Pacer 27 while PYC will be represented by the Fast 42 - Skitzo and the L26 PYC Eikos. The RNYC will be represented by the Flying Tiger Prodigy and the L26 - Scoundrel. This year clubs are allowed more than one entry so you can still represent your club if you get a team together. Rob Maine-Bailey will be entertaining and providing music for all four days of the regatta so come on down and enjoy this premier event. A special thanks to Rob Samways and Sandy Ostendorf (soon to be Samways as well) for all the hard work they've put in to organising the regatta to date.

See you on the water.
Warren Clark
Rear Commodore

IRC SA                         

Dear Sailors,
I'm "stoked". It looks like we will have a IRC Division 4 sailing for the first time at the KZN Provincials...in 2 weeks time 13- 16^th June at RNYC!
Having spoken to various sailors, Div 4 looks to be:
•1.                  Stadt 34, Jennabee (Peter Goble has recovered).
•2.                  First 357, Caversham Caprice (Richard Crockett).
•3.                  Hanse, Bellisima (Vernon Goss)
•4.                  Theta, Chatur (Nic Koekemoer)
•5.                  RCOD, Foxy Lady, (Chris Sutton)
•6.                  Theta, Thermopylae (Frank Edwards)

And, I'm hoping the likes of Errol Rutherford with Sundance will make an appearance, along with RCOD "Sun Tonic"!? This fleet will initially start off racing to get 4 RTB races (round the buoys) and then be sent on Medium Distance Races.

Division 1 is my only concern of late. We need 6 good entries in this division...or the IRC committee may have to promote Division 2 boats such as the Pacer 27's to bolster this division. This is something I would prefer not to do, as my hopes are to really only sail 30'+ of the more modern design boats in this fleet.
Div 1 so far:
•1.                  Fast 42,  Skitzo (Nigel Milln.)
•2.                  Flying Tiger ,Prodigy 4 (Chris Frost)
•3.                  J 105, Pants on Fire (with an excellent team from DAC...Paul Thompson, Trevor  Hulleman, Dwayne Assis and co.)
•4.                  Fast 42 Kimaya...is she still sailing thisl? (Gavin van der Merwe)
•5.                  Fast 42 Winleigh??? Not sure if she is sailing (Tony Cunnigham)
•6.                  Fast 42 Nemesis...Peter van Breda is keen to do this?
•7.                  MG 30 Plumb Crazy ...we're hoping they will show.(Brian Plumpton)
Leo Kroone has made Phezulu available to Dave Meulen...if he can get a crew together?! (I've been trying to contact him with no success!) We have brilliant Vaal sailors that we can pull in for this. At the moment Alex Schon will be sailing with me on Cabriole...but presented with a better offer...he may just jump ship into Div 1.
There is also the possibility that Don Vosey may still pitch? Both Zeus and Nemesis are sailing the R/Bay to Durban Race this weekend and we need to keep them here to race the Provincials. HELP me Division One sailors, please! Exert your "charismatic" personalities and motivate fellow Div 1 sailors to enter.
Div 2: will by far be the biggest...and probably the most competitive fleet with the following: •1.                  L 26 Ekos (Craig Millar and the PYC Lipton team)
•2.                  L 26 B2G2 (William Crockett and co.)
•3.                  L 26 Scoundrel (Warren Clark)
•4.                  Pacer 27 (Unruly) Iain Gibson
•5.                  Pacer 27 , Guy Nottingham
•6.                  J 27 Donna Mia...I assume? With Gavin Smith?
•7.                  J 22 Tioman (Derek Wilkes)
•8.                  J 22 Cartoon Deckwork (Speedy...Graham Rose.)
•9.                  F8 Cabriole (Rob Samways and Alex Schon)
•10.              And others I've forgotten!

Now, if we pull this off for the IRC KZN Provincials......just imagine what we can do for IRC NATIONALS at MSC ....3 weeks later...with more boats coming from the Cape!!??
For the Provincials, the Sailing Instructions have been approved with 5 fleet starts and 4 course options. Onshore, Rob Maine Balie will entertain us and there will be a prize giving every day!! It looks like we set for an enjoyable event!
REMEMBER ......RE-VALIDATE YOUR IRC CERTIFICATE. DUE NOW AT END OF MAY. You need your 2009 certificate to compete.Yours in promoting the passion for yacht racing,
Rob Samways
SA IRC Chairman
Co Regatta Chairman of IRC KZN Provincials

Vasco da Gama Race - 25 - 28 June 2009

The organisation for Vasco is well under way. All the necessary documentation has been put on the PYC website as well as the SAS website. See newsletter from Errol Rutherford below:
TO ALL COMPETITORS AND POTENTIAL COMPETITORS
This is an update on the organization of this event.
THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE
The Organizing Committee has been expanded by the inclusion of Club Members with experience from previous Blue Water Races and Regattas.

•Ø       Jan Milln, wife of Immediate Past Commodore Nigel, has been appointed Race Secretary. Jan will be responsible for handling race entries.

•Ø       Anthony Bingham, PYC General Committee Member, has come aboard to handle Publicity. Anthony will be responsible for Posters and for keeping the Vasco Web Site up to date.

•Ø       Vasco veteran, Errol Rutherford, has been made responsible for co-ordinating the actions required to ensure a smooth running and successful event.

Members of the Committee and their contact details are:
Keith Stewart Chairman 031 307 4992 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Renee Lemon Secretary 031 307 4992 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Errol Rutherford Co-ordinator 083 566 885 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  
031 563 0900
Chris Sutton Rear Commodore 083 390 9908 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Terry Flynn Race Officer 082 792 4642 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Jan Milln Race Secretary 031 700 6993 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
083 339 9343
Anthony Bingham Publicity/Website 083 556 8773
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Elize Dixon Prize giving 082 451 1311 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Richard Cox Club Manager PYC 082 692 6923 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

GOODNEWS FOR PARTICIPANTS
Maputo Check in Facilities.
Clube Naval have arranged with the Mozambique authorities for all "clearing in" formalities for arriving yachts to be conducted at their Clubhouse. This will avoid the inconvenience of having to go uptown to Immigration and to the Maritime Authority office on arrival. Payment of the requisite fees will also be easier.

BUSES TO MAPUTO
The Organising Committee will arrange for buses from Durban to Maputo for those crew members who require travelling by road to Maputo. This will be done on a "first come, first serve" basis. It is proposed to use "Combi's".
Additional "Combi's" will only be booked once sufficient passengers have been secured to make the additional vehicle economical.

NOTICE OF RACE
The Notice of Race has been sanctioned by SAS and by Sailing KZN. It will be on the Web Site shortly.
A "HOT" DURBAN WELCOME
A "HOT" Durban welcome awaits competitors finishing the Vasco Da Gama 2009.
The "HOT" welcome will start with "COLD" six packs of beer passed from the Bridge Boat as competitors cross the line. Thereafter the "HOT" welcome will include hot showers in the Clubhouse, and a hot "24 hour breakfast service" available from Friday 26th June until the last competitor is in. The Clubhouse is going to be "Buzzing" throughout the race as the Organising Committee update the position of competitors from their twice daily reports.

BE THERE!

 SIMPLY SAILING REGATTA 18-19 July '09

This years Simply Sailing Regatta will be sailed during the Durban Boat Show on the 18th and 19th of July 2009. As the show will be staged around the Durban Marina this year the regatta will be staged at the top end of the Maydon Channel and in the area between the 2 cardinal marks allowing the public an excellent vantage point to enjoy the regatta. The larger racing area will also allow for a triangle course which should make the racing more interesting for competitors. In keeping with theme of promoting yachting, entries are open to all classes of dinghies, keelers and multihulls. As in previous years there should be a good class turnout of Lasers, Flying Fifteen's, Optimist's, Sprog's, and Hobie 16's. Any group of 6 yachts will receive their own class and failing that they will sail in an open class of dinghies or cats on handicap. On the big boat side there will be a division A for the large racing boats and multihulls, division B for racer / cruisers and a division C for the cruising yachts.  
On Saturday afternoon at high tide the kite surfers will also be racing a windward / leeward course off the Royal Natal Yacht Club while on Sunday afternoon it will be the turn of the windsurfers to race  figure of 8 courses set to allow for beam reaching. The RNYC has kindly opened the club to the public for the duration of the regatta and this will allow them to experience the vibe and thrill of yacht racing while watching the kite boarders and windsurfers do their stuff only meters away.   
Entry fees are only R 30 per crew member and this includes a meal and drink's voucher for the prize giving and a boat show ticket. With such excellent value for money for a weekend's entertainment / racing contact Liezel at RNYC on 301 5425 or http://www.rnyc.org.za/ to get your entry in now. Once again there are many stunning prizes on offer with the top prizes being 2 x Combo courses valued at R7 900 each and 1 x SPICE course valued at R15 800 from Offshore Sailing Academy, and much more - another reason why you shouldn't miss this premier event. For the retired sailor this is also an excellent opportunity to come down and catch up with old friends and join in the vibe of the regatta while enjoying a few cold beers in Durban's sunny climate. The Simply Sailing Regatta is the last event in Durban's winter sailing calendar that includes RNYC's Interclub / IRC Regatta, PYC's MSC / IRC Nationals Regatta and the Vasco. Durban's excellent sailing weather during winter allows for top class sailing in warm conditions after the rest of South Africa has finished their sailing calendar's so why not bring your boat down and enjoy this unique event.